College football Week 12 injury report: Will Justin Herbert return for Oregon?

The college football season is incredibly exciting entering Week 12, and there are some big-name players who may have to sit out this weekend.

Last weekend, the college football slate was loaded with huge games, and while this weekend lacks that, there are some big games to be played. Wisconsin will play host to Michigan in an important Big Ten matchup, and Miami could have a big test against Virginia. Top teams will look to continue their winning ways, as Tuesday marks another release of the College Football Playoff rankings.

Here is a look at some key players who may miss time this week due to injury.

Quarterbacks

Justin Herbert, Oregon

It has been a long season for the Oregon Ducks, but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. Quarterback Justin Herbert broke his collarbone a couple months back, and there is a chance he could be available this weekend. The Ducks take on the upstart Arizona Wildcats, so getting Herbert back would be a huge for them Saturday.

Josh Allen, Wyoming

The Wyoming Cowboys have had a rough season, and to make matters worse, they lose their star quarterback to the NFL Draft after the year is over. Josh Allen is likely headed for the first round in April, but his goal now is to get on the field for the game against Fresno State. Allen is dealing with an injury to his throwing shoulder and has been going through treatment this week in hopes of playing Saturday.

Eric Dungey, Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange have a tough task ahead of them this weekend, as they take on the Lamar Jackson-led Louisville Cardinals. The Orange may be without quarterback Eric Dungey, who is dealing with a foot injury. They are hopeful he can play because this offense does not run well without him under center.

Kenny Hill, TCU

The TCU Horned Frogs lost a tough one to Oklahoma this past weekend, ending their chances at the College Football Playoff. The Frogs may be without their quarterback this week against  Texas Tech, as Kenny Hill is dealing with an undisclosed injury. If he cannot go, expect the TCU offense to sputter in his absence.

Running Backs

Zack Moss, Utah

The Utah Utes have a huge game ahead of them this weekend, as they take on a tough opponent in Washington. The Utes may be without their starting running back Zack Moss, who is listed as questionable for the matchup. Moss was injured last game against Washington State but was able to come back and finish the game for Utah.

Ty Isaac, Michigan

Michigan may have their running back healthy this weekend, and just in time for a matchup against No. 5 ranked Wisconsin. Ty Isaac had been dealing with an undisclosed injury, but he made it back to practice this week. It has been a rough season for the Wolverines, but they could pull off a huge upset if they can go on the road and beat the Badgers.

Justin Stockton, Texas Tech

The Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the TCU Horned Frogs this weekend, though they may be without their running back. Justin Stockton is dealing with a concussion and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Big 12 tilt. TCU is already the better team, so being without Stockton could prove large for the Red Raiders.

Jordan Wilkins, Ole Miss

Ole Miss will take on Texas A&M in SEC action this weekend, though it really does not have much meaning outside of the two teams playing the game. For Ole Miss, they may be without their running back, leaving them shorthanded in the backfield. Jordan Wilkins is nursing a sore ankle and is currently listed as questionable for the contest.

Wide Receivers

Darren Carrington II, Utah

The Utah Utes may be without their star wideout once again on Saturday, as Darren Carrington II is still dealing with a leg injury. Without Carrington, this offense is going to struggle, as he has proven to be Tyler Huntley’s No. 1 option in the passing game all year long. To make matters worse, the Utes take on high-flying Washington in Week 12.

Jazz Peavy, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers have to win out if they want to make it to the College Football Playoff, and they have a tough opponent this weekend in Michigan. The Badgers will be home on Saturday, but they will be without Jazz Peavy, who has been ruled out for the game. Peavy is dealing with an ankle injury, leaving Alex Hornibrook short his best wideout against the Wolverines.

Jalen Brown, Northwestern

The Northwestern Wildcats are currently ranked in the top-25, and for good reason, as they have been a surprisingly good team this season. On Saturday, the Wildcats will take on Minnesota, and may have to do it without one of their star wideouts. Jalen Brown is dealing with a lower-body injury and is officially listed as questionable.

Cameron Smith, Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost a bad one against the Miami Hurricanes this past weekend and will look to get back on track against Navy Saturday. Unfortunately for the Irish, they may be without Cameron Smith, leaving them shorthanded in the passing game. Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, so even if he can go, he may be limited.

Tight Ends

Matt Flanagan, Pitt

The Pittsburgh Panthers will take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on the road this weekend, in a matchup that should favor the Hokies. Pitt already is down their quarterback, and now they could be without their tight end. Matt Flanagan is nursing an undisclosed injury and is listed as questionable this weekend.

Austin Cantrell, Arkansas

The Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs this weekend in SEC action. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, they may be without Austin Cantrell, who has an ankle injury. The Razorbacks have had a tough season in 2017, and this is just the latest blow to hit the roster.

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Defensive Stars

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Arguably the best defensive back in the country, Minkah Fitzpatrick may not be on display this weekend against Mercer. Fitzpatrick has an undisclosed injury, and it might be wise for the Alabama Crimson Tide to allow him to sit this one out. The Tide are going to roll all over Mercer, so risking further injury to Fitzpatrick makes no sense at this point in the season.

Iman Marshall, USC

The USC Trojans clinched the Pac-12 South last weekend, and now have a fairly easy matchup against UCLA on deck. For the Trojans, they will likely get back Iman Marshall, who is listed as probable. Marshall has dealt with a nagging injury for the past month, so it is good to see him finally getting healthy.

Harold Landry, Boston College

Harold Landry is one of the more explosive pass rushers in college football, but he may be out this weekend. Landry is nursing an ankle injury, and it has given him trouble for the last couple of weeks. Boston College takes on UConn this weekend, so they may be able to win even if Landry cannot go in this one.

Arden Key, LSU

The LSU Tigers hit the road to take on Tennessee in SEC action this weekend, and they may be without one of their biggest stars. Arden Key is still dealing with a knee injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday. Key is likely slated for the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft, so he may be cautious the rest of the way.

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

The Clemson Tigers control their own destiny when it comes to the College Football Playoff, and they should roll this weekend. The Tigers take on Citadel, so even if Dexter Lawrence cannot go, they should be fine. Lawrence is dealing with a foot injury, and it may be wise to let him sit this one out on Saturday.