College Football Injury Report: Week 3

Here is a look at the key injuries leading into Week 3 of the college football season. Whether these players play or not will significantly impact their team.

The 2016 college football season is already coming up on Week 3, and it has been quite a season already through two weeks. Top-ranked Alabama has established themselves as the class of college football so far this season, though there are plenty of teams right behind them. There are some big-time games on the slate throughout the country, as already teams are jostling for the coveted spots in the College Football Playoff.

Here are some key players who may miss time in Week 3.

Quarterbacks

Anu Solomon, Arizona: Solomon continues to battle his knee injury, and is now listed as doubtful for the Hawaii game on Saturday. Brandon Dawkins played well in his absence last week, and will likely get the nod again in Week 3.

Matt Davis, SMU: Davis injured his ACL during the team’s opening week contest against North Texas, after being hit after scrambling. He did not play last week against Butler, and has now been ruled out for the remainder of the season. SMU will try to seek an extra year of eligibility for the senior.

Zack Greenlee, UTEP: UTEP opened up as a six-point underdog to Army, but that line may change. Greenlee has been back at practice for the Miners, and is slated to start this week. If all goes well on Friday, expect to see Greenlee back under center on Saturday.

Running Backs

Leonard Fournette, LSU: The Tigers star running back has been upgraded to Probable for their matchup against Mississippi State on Saturday. Fournette has been having trouble with his ankle this season, and sat out last week’s contest against Jacksonville State. It should be full speed ahead going forward, as Fournette has to dominate to get back into the Heisman talk.

Marlon Mack, South Florida: South Florida takes on Syracuse on Saturday, and it looks like they will have their star running back. Mack has been going through issues with a concussion, but appears ready to take the field in Week 3. Expect a huge boost of offensive production for the Bulls against the Orange.

Teriyon Gipson, New Mexico: Through the team’s first two games, Gipson has been the leading rusher, racking up over 240 yards. However, he took a shot to the head during the New Mexico State game, and has not been at practice all week. Even if he was healthy, Gipson may have not played, as he may be suspended for his arrest back in January.

Wide Receivers

Antonio Callaway, Florida: Gators’ quarterback Luke Del Rio may be without his best weapon on Saturday, as Callaway was recently downgraded to doubtful for Florida game against North Texas. Callaway injured his quad during last week’s thrashing of Kentucky, and head coach Jim McElwain does not think he will be available this week.

Sam Bruce, Miami: Bruce is suspended for the first three games of the season, but the Hurricanes were hoping he could contribute once he was reinstated. However, the crown jewel of their freshman class may be out for the season, after breaking his leg.

Dontez Ford, Pittsburgh: The Panthers are coming off an emotional win against Penn State on Saturday, as they hung on to beat the Nittany Lions. However, the team will now be without wide receiver Dontez Ford, who had surgery to repair a broken collarbone. Ford is listed as out for the remainder of the season.

Tight Ends

Johnny Mundt, Oregon: The 24th-ranked Oregon Ducks may be without their star tight end again this week, as Johnny Mundt is still not fully healthy. Mundt has been battling a knee injury, and is listed as questionable for the Ducks matchup with Nebraska on Saturday. Oregon’s offense has been rolling, but they would definitely love to have Mundt back in the mix.

Sean Culkin, Missouri: The Tigers have a huge matchup this week against a Georgia Bulldogs team that has not looked great in 2016. Missouri may be without their starting tight end Sean Culkin, who is listed as questionable. Culkin is trying to come back from a foot injury, so he may be limited even if he does play.

Defensive Stars

Derwin Jones, Florida State: The Seminoles will be without free safety Derwin Jones for the next 2-6 weeks, as he recently had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his knee. Florida State has a tough matchup on Saturday, as they face one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Lamar Jackson and Louisville host the Seminoles in Week 3, so the loss of Jones is a big one.

Noah Jefferson, USC: The Trojans have a huge matchup in Week 3, as they face Pac-12 rival Stanford Cardinal. Jefferson could begin practicing next week, though he did not practice this week with a sprained shoulder. He has been ruled out for the Stanford game.

Charles Walker and Tay Evans, Oklahoma: Both Walker and Evans were injured during Oklahoma’s 59-17 win over LA Monroe this past week. They were both limited in practice this week, and are questionable for the Sooners’ huge matchup against Ohio State. If they cannot go, it will be a huge hit to a defense that will have to stop star quarterback T.J. Barrett on Saturday.

Dante Booker, Ohio State: Booker is one of the better linebackers in college football, but he may not be available for the Oklahoma game. Booker has been limited in practice this week, and has been downgraded to questionable. Booker sprained his MCL in the Buckeyes’ season opener against Bowling Green.

More fansided.com: Top 100 SEC Players for 2016

Week 3 of the 2016 college football schedule is full of great matchups, so check the injury reports prior to kickoff on Saturday.