Blacksburg, VA (My Sportsbook) - Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones is expected to be sidelined 2-to-4 weeks with a strained left hamstring.

The sophomore tailback was originally listed as doubtful for this Saturday's game against Syracuse, but it appears he could miss a few contests.

An MRI Monday revealed a mild to moderate tear, but most of the damage was done to the muscle and not the tendons.

Jones suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Hokies' 28-21 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Jones has rushed for 708 yards and nine touchdowns on 121 carries this season. He has combined with Lee Suggs, who has garnered 956 yards and 14 touchdowns on 170 carries, to become one of the nation's best rushing tandems.

Also, Virginia Tech announced Tuesday that roving linebacker Michael Crawford is being evaluated for lymphoma.

Crawford, a 21-year-old junior, is expected to play against Syracuse, but that will most likely be his final game of the season. Crawford is scheduled to have a number of tests in the next several days to determine what type of treatment he will undergo.

Doctors stressed that lymphoma is one of the most curable forms of cancer and they expect Crawford to make a full recovery and have a good chance to return to the team next year for his senior season.

Crawford has 33 tackles and two sacks this season.