UNC star defensive lineman not in uniform for ETSU matchup after injury
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University of North Carolina star defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude recorded a sack after leaving the Tar Heels’ season opener against TCU with a hand injury.
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Now, but two weeks later in the team’s home opener on Saturday, an apparent injury to his right hand/arm kept him off the field.
Abou Jaoude didn’t leave the sideline as UNC played its 100th season opener at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Saturday against East Tennessee State University. He wore his jersey, but with no pads, sweatpants and a brace or cast protecting his right hand/arm.
In UNC’s 15-10 win over the Horned Frogs on Aug. 29 in Dublin, Ireland, Abou Jaoude left for just over a drive with a hand injury. But he was a force upon returning to the game. He recorded a sack-fumble to add to his four tackles in the game, as the Tar Heels defense closed the door on every TCU opportunity to take a late lead. The performance, along with 2.0 sacks from interior defensive lineman Xavier Lewis, anchored the first season opening win of the Bill Belichick era in Chapel Hill.
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Abou Jaoude is coming off a career season with 10.5 sacks, helping him secure a 2025 second team All-ACC selection.
The Tar Heels continue their season on the road next week with an ACC game at Clemson.
This is a developing story and will be updated
This story was originally published September 12, 2026 at 1:14 PM with the headline “UNC star defensive lineman not in uniform for ETSU matchup after injury.”
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