Blake Horvath injury update: Is the Navy star playing on Friday against East Carolina

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath has led the Midshipmen to a 7-3 record this season but got injured in the first quarter of the 35-0 loss to the Tulane Green Wave in Week 13. Navy coach Brian Newberry later revealed that his quarterback took a hit that caused him back spasms.

Horvath was replaced by sophomore Braxton Woodson, who threw a pick as his first action in the game. Horvath was pictured on the sidelines riding an exercise bike, although he did not get back into the contest.

So, will Blake Horvath dress up against the East Carolina Pirates in Week 14 of college football action?

Is Blake Horvath playing today against East Carolina?

Ahead of Friday's crucial game against the East Carolina Pirates, Navy coach Brian Newberry revealed during a pregame news conference that Blake Horvath would not be available for the Week 14 game.

"Blake's out today," Brian Newberry said. "He's not quite ready to go and I wouldn't feel comfortable putting him out there and he's not 100% healthy. So we're gonna roll with the other two guys today (Braxton Woodson and Jackson Gutierrez)."

The Navy Midshipmen will utilize the services of backup quarterbacks Jackson Gutierrez and Braxton Woodson in the game against the East Carolina Pirates. Newberry expressed his confidence in Woodson and Gutierrez's ability to fill in the gap left by Blake Horvath when asked what their respective merits were.

"Just running the offense (Woodson)," Newberry said. "Just taking command of the offense. Getting the right plays and making the right decisions, and you're gonna see the freshman Jackson Gutierrez play as well, so both of those guys have had a really two good weeks of preparation, and I'm excited to watch them play today.

"He's (Gutierrez) kind of the freshman that rose to the top of that group and just his ability to run the offense. He throws it effectively and runs the ball really well, but he's sure enough gonna be a very good player for us."

Blake Horvath was behind the Midshipmen's early season impressive form, which has fallen off in the past few weeks. He has registered 1,154 yards on 58.5% completion for 11 touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Navy fans will hope that he can get over his injury in time for the pivotal clash against the Army Black Knights in the annual rivalry game for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy.