Coral Gables, Fla. ? Linebacker Jonathan Vilma stands on the sideline, watching, encouraging and helping his Miami teammates. It’s the closest he gets to the practice field.

Vilma is among the 25 or so Hurricanes who have been injured so far — an alarming number for a team that managed to stay healthy during its 34-game winning streak and consecutive trips to the national championship game.

Although most of the injuries have been minor, they have affected many starters, including Vilma, tight end Kellen Winslow, right tackle Vernon Carey, wide receiver Jason Geathers, defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Santonio Thomas and linebackers D.J. Williams and Roger McIntosh.

“It’s the luck of the draw,” offensive line coach Art Kehoe said. “You might go to the blackjack table and hit four 21s, or you might get your butt kicked. We go at it hard at the University of Miami. Sometimes we’re fortunate, and sometimes we’re not. You just have to hold your breath.

“I’m sure the Dolphins and everybody else who plays this game are doing the same thing.”

Geathers, McIntosh and receiver Roscoe Parrish, a dangerous punt returner and one of the offense’s top deep threats, already have been ruled out of third-ranked Miami’s season opener against Louisiana Tech Aug. 28.