It is week two of college football and some teams will be missing key players already. Here is a look at this week’s injury report.
As the season gets underway for week two, some key players will already be missing time due to injury. A Pac-12 school could be missing their starting quarterback and an SEC powerhouse will be looking to adjust after losing a critical member of their defense for the season. Without further delay, here is a look at players who may or will miss this week due to injury.
Quarterbacks
Wilton Speight, UCLA
Speight injured his back in the first half last week against Cincinnati. While the former Wolverine has participated in a few drills during practice this week, his status for Saturday’s game against Oklahoma remains up in the air. If he is unable to go, the Bruins will go with true freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Jake Luton, Oregon State
As if coming off a major spinal injury was not enough for Luton, the Beaver quarterback also sustained a concussion against Ohio State week. While he should be okay to play against Southern Utah this week, his status is questionable. If Luton is unable to give it a go, Conor Blount will likely start.
Charlie Brewer, Baylor
Brewer suffered a back injury last week against Abilene Christian after being named the starter. Fortunately, head coach Matt Rhule says he should be healthy for Saturday’s game against UTSA. For a program still looking to build back up and having confidence in Brewer, having him healthy is imperative.
Running Backs
Najee Harris, Alabama
Harris carried the ball eight times for 30 yards and scored a touchdown against Louisville last week despite dealing with a foot injury during camp. While the back could receive more carries this week, do not be surprised if Nick Saban limits his touches again with conference play beginning next week. Expect Damien Harris to receive the workload against Arkansas State early.
Cole Gest, Indiana
Gest suffered a torn ACL against FIU last week and is out for the rest of the season. The Hoosiers are already without Morgan Ellison due to a suspension, so losing Gest hurts their running back depth even more. With two backs out, expect freshman Stevie Scott to start Saturday against Virginia and for the foreseeable future.
Deejay Dallas, Miami
Dallas suffered a shoulder injury against LSU on Sunday night. The sophomore led the Hurricanes in rushing with 38 yards on eight carries. While he was certainly banged up against a powerful Tiger defense, the coaches believe he should be ready to go Saturday against Savannah State. Miami has now lost four games in a row since starting 10-0 last season and having Dallas fully healthy would help tremendously.
Wide Receivers
Mike Dudek, Illinois
Dudek suffered a knee injury last week against Kent State and will miss the rest of the year. This marks his third season-ending injury in four years. He tore his ACL both times in 2015 and 2016 and missed five games last season. For a player who had worked so hard to be ready for his senior season, this news is devastating for the Illinois football program.
John Burt, Texas
Burt has been ruled out once again after missing last week due to a foot injury. The senior has been dealing with the injury all camp and head coach Tom Herman refuses to risk further damage. Burt’s absence was noticeable last week against Maryland as Sam Ehlinger struggled down the stretch once again. The Longhorns lost and fell out of the Top 25.
Terry Godwin, Georgia
Godwin missed the Bulldog’s opener against Austin Peavy last week due to offseason knee surgery and is questionable for Saturday’s SEC opener against South Carolina. The senior is one of Georgia’s biggest weapons coming off 639 yards and six touchdowns last season. His absence could definitely impact Georgia facing an improved Gamecock team.
Tight Ends
Jake Hausmann, Ohio State
Hausmann missed the opener against Oregon State due to dealing with a hamstring injury. He is listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s game against Rutgers. If he is unable to play, expect freshman Jeremy Ruckert to see a lot of playing time once again.
Josh Falo, USC
Falo missed last week’s game against UNLV due to a hamstring injury. He is listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s huge match-up against Stanford. With the Trojans already dealing with an injury to some receivers, having Falo out once again could hurt even more.
Luke Benzschawel, Wisconsin
Benzschawel left the Badger’s opener against Western Kentucky due to a leg injury. Head coach Paul Chryst mentioned this week he will be out for Saturday’s game against New Mexico and more games. With Zander Neuville still questionable with a leg injury of his own, Wisconsin could be down some weapons in the passing game over the next few weeks.
Defensive Stars
LB K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Chaisson left Sunday’s game against Miami with a leg injury and head coach Ed Orgeron announced earlier this week he will miss the rest of the season. The sophomore linebacker was projected to be one of the Tigers’ best defensive players this season. Losing a player of his caliber may impact this defense more than most think.
DB Kris Boyd, Texas
Boyd suffered a sprained ankle last week in Texas’ loss to Maryland. Herman said early in the week he will “probable” for the game against Tulsa. Boyd is one of the Longhorns’ best secondary players and having him healthy would be a huge boost for the defense.
DL Liam Jimmons, USC
Jimmons missed last week’s game due to a toe injury. Fortunately, he is listed as “probable” for Saturday night’s primetime battle with Stanford. For a defense facing a Heisman Trophy candidate in Bryce Love, the Trojans need as many linemen healthy as possible.