Louisville football’s receiving corps has an encouraging injury development ahead of Saturday night’s ACC road matchup vs. North Carolina.
Wide receiver Lawayne McCoy has been sidelined with a knee injury since the Cardinals’ October 17 victory at Syracuse. He missed games against Stanford and Georgia Tech, leaving Louisville without one of their most productive targets.
The Cardinals enter their Week 11 matchup vs. the Tar Heels at 6-3 overall and 5-2 in ACC play after beating Georgia Tech 44-17 last Saturday. McCoy carried a probable designation earlier this week as Louisville prepared for another road game.
On3’s Pete Nakos shared an update Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, indicating that McCoy will return against the Tar Heels after nearly a month away, according to his sources.
Louisville WR LaWayne McCoy will return today after nearly a month, sources tell @On3.
Has 25 catches for 513 yards and 4 TDs this season. Cardinals are at North Carolina. https://t.co/K0Fx6hlL8o https://t.co/dCujm1TV76 pic.twitter.com/pa6Nl3GAsV
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 14, 2026
McCoy has recorded 25 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season. His 20.5 yards per catch gives quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and Louisville’s offense a downfield threat.
He ranks second on the team in receiving yards and leads the Cardinals in touchdown catches. McCoy's last appearance produced five receptions for 93 yards against Syracuse before the injury interrupted his season.
The junior transferred from Florida State after spending two college seasons with the Seminoles. His return gives coach Jeff Brohm another receiving option as the Cardinals continue their conference schedule.
Article Continues BelowNorth Carolina enters at 5-4. Kickoff at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN2.
Nakos’ report did not specify a snap count or any workload restriction. While McCoy is set to rejoin the passing attack, the extent of his involvement remains undetermined before kickoff.
The Cardinals head into Saturday’s matchup expecting one of the team's leading receivers back following his two-game absence.

