Here is a look at the key injuries leading into Week 6 of the college football season. Whether these players play or not will significantly impact their team.
The 2016 college football season is in full-swing, and some teams have already established themselves as potential College Football Playoff contenders. Alabama, who is widely considered as the best team in the nation, as a big SEC battle against Arkansas this week. In other top-25 action, ninth-ranked Tennessee will battle #6 Texas A&M on Saturday, though they are to be without their star running back.
Week 6 of the college football season will also feature the Red River Shootout, as Texas will head to Oklahoma to take on the Sooners. Upstart Colorado will face USC in a huge Pac-12 matchup, and Florida State and Miami will do battle if Hurricane Matthew allows it. Each week the matchups get better and better, and each game has major CFP implications.
Here is a list of some big names who may be on the shelf this weekend.
Quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson, Clemson: Watson had a bit of an ankle ailment against Louisville but is expected to suit up against Boston College on Friday. He is the main man for the Tigers, and even against Boston College, would be a big blow to the team. The Tigers are still very much alive in the College Football Playoff race.
Manny Wilkins, Arizona State: Wilkins is likely to miss the team’s big showdown against UCLA this weekend. The signal-caller has led the Sun Devils to a nice start to the season but was hurt in the USC game last week. He is currently battling an injury to his leg.
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Sefo Liufau, Colorado: The senior has played well this season, but has missed the last two games due to injury. Freshman Steven Montez has come in and become one of the better quarterbacks in the conference, but will likely make way for Liufau when he is 100 percent. Liufau will be available this week, but the Buffaloes may go with Montez instead.
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma: The Sooners will take on the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Shootout on Saturday, and they should have their quarterback in the lineup. Mayfield injured his ankle last week against TCU but is listed as probable against the Longhorns. He is looking for his first victory against Texas.
Patrick Mahomes II, Texas Tech: Mahomes is having an incredible season in Kliff Kingsbury’s high-octane offense, but he may be out this week. He is listed as doubtful for the Kansas State game, after leaving last week with an injured shoulder. The junior has thrown for nearly 1,800 yards in four games this season.
Running Backs
Nick Chubb, Georgia: The oft-injured running back is currently battling an ankle injury, but he is listed as probable for this week’s game against South Carolina. Chubb made his way back from a torn ACL last season and has run well in 2016. He hurt his ankle on his only carry against Tennessee last week.
L.J. Scott, Michigan State: The Spartans are coming off two consecutive losses, and will need their ground game if they want to break that streak. Scott injured his leg during the loss to Indiana last week, though he should be able to play against BYU on Saturday. Scott leads the Spartans with 302 rushing yards this season.
Elijah Hood, North Carolina: Hood is one of the best running backs in college football, so it is understandable that the Tar Heels would hold their breath when he was injured against Florida State last week. However, he has battled back and is listed as probable for the Virginia Tech game this weekend. Hood has not had a great year in 2016 but is still an elite back.
Jalen Hurd, Tennessee: The Tennessee vs Texas A&M game is the biggest on the slate in Week 6, though it lost a bit of its luster on Friday. Star Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd has been ruled out for the game between two top-10 teams. Hurd is listed as having an undisclosed injury.
Wide Receivers
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama: The Crimson Tide are hoping that ArDarius Stewart can play against Arkansas after the star wideout missed the last two games. Stewart is battling back from a sprained knee and has returned to the practice field this week. Arkansas is a solid SEC team, so having Stewart back will be huge for the Tide.
KD Cannon, Baylor: Cannon left Baylor’s game against Oklahoma State two weeks ago, and has yet to return. He missed last week’s battle against Iowa State and is still questionable with the groin injury. Baylor is off this week, which should give him time to heal before the Kansas game.
K.J. Hill, Ohio State: The redshirt freshman has not played in a few weeks, and is expected to miss the next month or so. He recently had surgery on his ankle and should be back in time for the Buckeyes run to the College Football Playoff. He is an electric play-maker, so J.T. Barrett is going to love having him back.
James Washington, Oklahoma State: The All Big-12 wideout was knocked unconscious during Oklahoma State’s game against Texas this past week. The star was monitored during the game and did not return. He and Mason Rudolph have formed one of the best tandems in college football, but Washington is listed as questionable for the Iowa State game this week.
Tim Patrick, Utah: The Utes have a big showdown against Arizona this week, and they could be without their best wide receiver. Tim Patrick is battling a leg injury, but all signs point to him being ready to go against the Wildcats. Utah is looking to hang on to their top-25 ranking.
Tight Ends
Sean Irwin, Colorado: The Buffaloes tight end is still suffering from concussion symptoms, and may be out of the team’s huge game against USC this week. Irwin should be able to play, but you never know with head injuries. He should be a game-time decision.
John Mundt, Oregon: Same old story for Mundt, who is likely to miss his fifth game of the season. Mundt is still trying to come back from a knee injury and is questionable for the Ducks Pac-12 matchup with Washington. The Huskies are one of the best teams in the nation, so Oregon would really love to have their tight end back for the matchup.
Taylor McNamara, USC: The Trojans have a huge matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes this weekend, and they could be without their tight end. Taylor McNamara is trying to come back from a back injury but is listed as questionable for this week’s game.
Greg Taboada, Stanford: The Cardinal are being quiet about Taboada’s injury, but he remains an uncertainty this week. The tight end is listed as questionable for this week’s game against Washington State Cougars. Stanford is coming off a horrible loss to Washington last week.
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Defensive Stars
Dante Booker, Ohio State: The Buckeyes have been without star linebacker Dante Booker for the last two games, as he battles back from a knee injury. Booker will likely return this week against Indiana.
Jonathan Lockett, USC: Lockett is dealing with a shoulder issue, but the team hopes to have him back for the Colorado game. The Buffaloes have one of the better passing attacks in college football, so getting Lockett back will be huge for the Trojans.
David Marshall, Georgia: The Bulldogs have an extra day before they play South Carolina, as the game was pushed back due to Hurricane Matthew. Marshall missed the last game due to concussion-like symptoms but is expected to play on Sunday.
Denzel Johnson, Clemson: Clemson will finally get Johnson back on Friday, as the star cornerback is expected to return in time for the game against Boston College. Johnson plays a huge role on the Tigers defense, and coming back against a lesser opponent like the Eagles, will give him a chance to get back into the groove.