CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, the New Mexico transfer who started the season opener, has been dismissed from the Virginia football team, the athletic department announced Monday night.

Unamba started at right tackle in the season opener against Coastal Carolina but suffered a right knee injury. UVA (5-1) had expected him to return at some point, possibly as soon as Saturday’s non-conference home game against Washington State.

Instead, UVA released a two-sentence statement just before 10 p.m. Monday announcing that he was no longer with the team.

“The University of Virginia announced today (Oct. 13) the dismissal of Wallace Unamba from the football program due to violation of team policy. There will be no further comment,” the statement said.

UVA coach Tony Elliott is scheduled to address the media Tuesday at his weekly press conference.

Unamba became the opening day starter after Louisville transfer Monroe Mills suffered a season-ending injury during spring practice. When Unamba went down, UVA turned to third-stringer Jack Witmer, who has started the last five games.

The offensive line is also playing with guard Drake Metcalf filling in for the injured Brady Wilson at center, and Kevin Wigenton II moving into the lineup to man Metcalf’s right guard position.

Still, the Cavaliers have only allowed five sacks through their first six games, the second fewest in the ACC, and rank third in the league in rushing offense, averaging 217.5 yards per game on the ground.