The college football Week 10 injury report sees Ed Oliver and Justin Herbert among the big names who may miss this weekend’s slate of games.
Week ten of college football marks a critical point during the season. With the first College Football Playoff rankings revealed, teams know that now is not the time to slip up. Unfortunately, some ranked teams will head into battle this week without key players. We dive into the latest news on who is out and who is in with this week’s injury report.
Quarterbacks
Deondre Francois, Florida State
Francois left last week’s game against Clemson with a concussion. Fortunately, Willie Taggart said it was not too serious and he will be good for Saturday against NC State. At 4-4, the Seminoles need their starting quarterback if they hope to be bowl eligible over the last four games.
TaQuon Marshall, Georgia Tech
Marshall suffered an upper-body injury two weeks ago against Duke. He was held out last week but practiced this week. He should be ready for North Carolina
Nathan Stanley, Iowa
Stanley injured his thumb last week against Penn State. He is “probable” for Purdue as Kirk Ferentz indicated the injury is not too serious. At second in the Big Ten West, the Hawkeyes need Stanley as they push for a spot in the conference championship game.
Justin Herbert, Oregon
Herbert sustained a concussion last week. He is “questionable” but should be okay for UCLA. As one of the best quarterbacks in the country, having Herbert available is crucial.
Running Backs
Tavien Feaster, Clemson
Feaster sustained a concussion last week against Florida State in their blowout win. Dabo Swinney said he is good to go for this Saturday against Louisville. Even if Feaster is held out, the Tigers still have Travis Etienne, Lyn-J Dixon and Adam Choice to rely on in the run game.
Beau Bisharat, Colorado
Bisharat has dealt with a rib injury this week after taking a big hit to the chest in Colorado’s last game. He is “questionable” for Arizona. The Buffaloes have lost three straight and Bisharat is averaging 6.8 yards per carry, the highest on the team.
Ivory Kelly-Martin, Iowa
Kelly-Martin has dealt with an ankle since last week against Penn State and has been nicked up for most of this season. He is “probable” for Saturday against Purdue. He is the Hawkeyes third-leading rusher with 293 yards on the year.
Wide Receivers
Tarik Black, Michigan
Black broke his foot before the season started and he has been out indefinitely. He suited up for last week’s game but played just one play. Harbaugh expects him to play this week more against Penn State, but also mentioned he does not want to rush him back too quickly.
Austin Mack, Ohio State
Mack had surgery last week after suffering a foot injury in the Purdue loss. Urban Meyer said he is out indefinitely for now. Fortunately, the Buckeyes still have K.J. Hill, Paris Campbell and Terry McLaurin in their passing attack led by Dwayne Haskins.
Courtney Lark, Houston
Lark suffered a knee injury last week against USF. He is “doubtful” for this week against SMU. Lark tied for second on the team in receiving yards with Keith Corbin at 509 and has the third most receiving touchdowns with five.
Tight Ends
Naseir Upshur, Florida State
Upshur has been ruled out for Saturday against NC State with an undisclosed injury according to Willie Taggart. Expect junior Gabe Nabers to start in his place. While Upshur is not a dynamic weapon in the passing game, his blocking has been a big boost this season.
Will Mallory, Miami
Mallory has been dealing with an eye infection all week. Mark Richt lists him as “questionable” for Saturday against Duke. If Mallory cannot go, Brevin Jordan will be the only scholarship tight end available with Michael Irvin II still out and Brian Polendey out for the season.
Kendall Blanton, Missouri
Blanton did not practice earlier this week after suffering a sprained knee in the last game. His status for the Florida game and beyond remains uncertain. The Tigers have already lost Messiah Swinson to a torn ACL and cannot afford to lose more depth.
Defensive Stars
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Houston
Oliver did not play last week against USF after suffering a bruised right knee against Navy on Oct. 20. His status remains day-to-day for this week’s game against SMU, but Major Applewhite hinted he will likely sit this one out. Oliver was named to several watch lists and is arguably the best defensive player in the country. Losing him for an extended period would hurt the Cougars tremendously.
Defensive back Brendan Radley-Hines, Oklahoma
Radley Hines left last week’s game against Kansas State with a concussion. Lincoln Riley said he should be fine for Saturday night’s game against Texas Tech. Facing a talent Red Raider offense, the Sooners need their defense as healthy as possible going into this one.
Defensive end Breckyn Hager, Texas
Hager has dealt with a severe SC sprain in his shoulder this week after suffering the injury against Oklahoma State. Tom Herman said earlier this week he is day-to-day and his status is uncertain for Saturday’s important game against West Virginia. Hager is the emotional leader of the Longhorns’ defense so having him potentially sit out could hurt.