Miami's Blades out for season with myocarditis

Miami cornerback Al Blades announced Tuesday he has been diagnosed with myocarditis and will be out a minimum of three months, signaling the end of his 2020 season.

"As of last week, I was going through (COVID-19) protocols when doctors had some concerns about my bloodwork. After undergoing an MRI on my heart, I have been diagnosed with myocarditis," Blades wrote in a statement released on Twitter.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle and is a symptom often linked to the coronavirus.

Blades was one of 15 Hurricanes players who missed Saturday's game against Duke due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the program.

"It hurts not to be out there with my brothers, but I will always be a Hurricane," Blades wrote. "I'm looking forward to returning to the field in 2021."

The junior corner had 29 tackles and two interceptions this season.