Fansided

College Football Week 9 injury report: Sam Ehlinger questionable

By Maitland Rutledge

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 06: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter of the 2018 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 6, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 06: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter of the 2018 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 6, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It is time to take a look at key injuries around the country in our weekly injury report.

Week 9 is here and at this point of the season, every game can make a difference. What can also impact a team’s run to the postseason is injuries. This week a few key quarterbacks are banged up; one in the Big 12 and another in the Big Ten. Here is a look at this week’s injury report.

Quarterbacks

Brian Lewerke, Michigan State

Lewerke has dealt with a shoulder injury since the Penn State game and last week was pulled during the fourth quarter of the Michigan loss. He is “probable” for Saturday against Purdue but Mark Dantonio is critical of this injury due to it being his throwing shoulder.

Jarrett Guarantano, Tennessee

Guarantano was hit hard in the chest last week against Alabama. Fortunately, Jeremy Pruitt believes it to be a minor injury. He should be okay for South Carolina on Saturday.

Sam Ehlinger, Texas

Ehlinger injured his shoulder against Baylor two weeks ago. With the Longhorns on a bye last week, Tom Herman feels he has had enough time to recover. He will play against Oklahoma State, but if the shoulder hinders his throwing, do not be surprised to see Shane Buechele take some snaps.

Running Backs

Aca’Cedric Ware, USC

Ware injured his shoulder last week against Utah. He is “questionable” for Saturday against Arizona State. Ware leads the Trojans in rushing yards and yards per carry so having him available is a plus.

Myles Gaskin, Washington

Gaskin missed last week’s game because of a shoulder injury he has dealt with over the last few weeks. Chris Peterson indicated in his weekly press conference he hopes to have him available. He should be okay for Cal this Saturday.

Trey Sermon, Oklahoma

Sermon suffered a lower leg injury in the win over TCU last week. He was forced to exit early, but Lincoln Riley indicated this week it is not serious. He will play against Kansas State.

Wide Receivers

Felton Davis III, Michigan State

Davis tore his Achilles last week in the loss to Michigan and will miss the rest of the season. Dantonio said he will have surgery and now prepare for the NFL Draft, ending his college career. He leaves the Spartans with 1,450 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. This is a big blow for Michigan State’s receiving corp as he leads them in receiving yards and touchdowns.

D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

Metcalf suffered a season-ending neck injury in the win over Arkansas two weeks ago. The sophomore had successful surgery this week and will be back next season. As part of one of the best receiving corps in the country, this is a big blow to the Rebels.

Juwan Johnson, Penn State

Johnson missed the second half of last week’s game with an ankle injury. He came out of the locker room for the second half with his ankle taped up. James Franklin is hopeful he’ll play this week against Iowa. Johnson is the Nittany Lions’ second-leading receiver in yards so missing him could hurt Trace McSorley and the passing game.

Tight Ends

Andrew Beck, Texas

Beck is recovering from strep throat he dealt with during the bye week. He has practiced since Tuesday and is okay for Oklahoma State on Saturday night. With Texas in a prime place to make a run, having Beck available helps a lot in the Longhorn’s passing and running game.

Thaddeus Moss, LSU

Moss has been ruled out for the season with a foot injury. The sophomore has dealt with this injury since the start of the season. Ed Orgeron hoped he would return at some point this season, but ultimately decided to keep him on the sideline for the rest of 2018

Gabe Horan, Syracuse

Horan has dealt with an undisclosed injury this week. Dino Babers would not elaborate much on his injury but ruled him “questionable” for the NC State game. Fortunately, Ravian Pierce returned from injury last week so the Orangemen will be fine for now.

Defensive Stars

Linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch, Texas

McCulloch is still recovering from a neck sprain he suffered in a one-car accident. Fortunately, the junior did return to practice this week and will against Oklahoma State. McCulloch is a key member of the Longhorn’s front seven. Good news for Todd Orlando.

Defensive lineman Christian Rector, USC

Rector suffered a bruised quad last week in the Utah loss. Clay Helton lists him as “questionable” for Saturday against Arizona State. The Trojans suffered a rash of injuries last week and Rector is a key force in the middle of the defensive line.

Defensive back Sean Harper Jr., Washington State

Harper missed last week’s game with an undisclosed injury Mike Leach refused to elaborate on. He is “questionable” for Saturday against Stanford. Harper is one of the defensive backs in the Pac-12 and a key member of a secondary that plays well against the pass. George Hicks III or Marcus Strong will take his place if he unable to go.

Home/College Football