UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton is one of several players to appear on this week’s injury report.
Conference championship week is here as teams are fighting for conference supremacy, Playoff berths and a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl games. Unfortunately, some key players will be missing in action this week and others for the rest of the season. Here is a look at who lands on this week’s injury report.
Quarterbacks
McKenzie Milton, UCF
In what has been the worst injury suffered by a player this season, Milton’s knee bend awkwardly last week when he tried to scramble against USF. He suffered a serious leg injury and injured a nerve leading to blood flow issues. Fortunately, earlier this week’s his blood began flowing properly again and the nerve should heal. However, he will need reconstructive surgery. Darriel Mack Jr. will start in the AAC Championship Game as the Knights look to clinch back-to-back titles and another New Year’s Six Bowl berth.
Holton Ahlers, East Carolina
Ahlers has dealt with a sprained right knee and injured right hand for a few weeks. He did not practice on Wednesday and is “questionable” for the finale against N.C. State. Expect Reid Herring to start if Ahlers cannot go.
Running Backs
Spencer Brown, UAB
In last week’s regular season finale against Middle Tennessee State, who the Blazers face this week again for the C-USA Championship, Brown attempted to play but was only limited to one carry. Bill Clark would not go into detail what his injury is, but lists him as “questionable”. Brown is an all-conference back with 993 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.
Tre Watson, Texas
Watson has dealt with a hip contusion since the Iowa State game. Fortunately, the graduate transfer was able to work through it last week against Kansas as he had 14 carries for 79 yards. Watson will be ready to go for the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma.
Kamari Pleasant, Washington
Pleasant has missed the past two games against Oregon State and Washington. Chris Peterson refused to comment on his status for the Pac-12 Championship against Utah, but all signs point to him being “questionable”. In a reserve role backing up Myles Gaskin, Pleasant has rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Wide Receivers
Flynn Nagel, Northwestern
Nagel did not play last week against Illinois and his status for the Big Ten Championship is uncertain. Pat Fitzgerald would not show what the injury is but he is “questionable”. The senior is the Wildcat’s leading receiver with 746 yards and is quarterback Clayton Thorson’s most reliable target.
Khalil Shakir, Boise State
Shakir has missed the last two games against New Mexico and Utah State. Bryan Harsin has not revealed these last two weeks what the injury is but his status is uncertain for the Mountain West Championship against Fresno State. Shakir had his best game of the year when these teams met earlier this month. He had a season-high four catches, 59 yards and his only touchdown.
Tight Ends
Corey Lersch, Northern Illinois
Lersch has dealt with an ankle injury that has kept him out for the last two weeks. Once again he is “question” for this week’s MAC Conference Championship against Buffalo. Fortunately, the Huskies have upperclassmen Mitchell Brinkman and Dale Brown to rely on if Lersch cannot play.
Kaden Smith, Stanford
Smith was held out of the Cardinal’s last game against UCLA because of a foot injury. His status remains uncertain for this week’s rivalry game against Cal, but he might give it a go. Smith is one of three finalists for the Mackey Award with 635 yards and two touchdowns on the year.
Defensive Stars
Kahlil Haughton, Oklahoma
Haughton was one of three Sooner safeties, along with Jordan Parker and Justin Broiles, held out last week against West Virginia. Lincoln Riley has not disclosed his injury nor the other safeties’ injuries. However, he said in his weekly presser he does not expect to have Haughton or the others available this week for the Big 12 Championship.
Robert Beal Jr., Georgia
Beal is doubtful for the SEC Championship against Alabama with an undisclosed injury. He missed last week’s game against Georgia Tech. Expect Adam Anderson to once again get the start in Beal’s place this week.
Brandon Jones, Texas
Jones left last week’s game against Kansas with a head injury. While the safety has battled injuries all season, Tom Herman said earlier this week he should play against Oklahoma. Jones had nine tackles and an interception when these teams last met in Dallas.
Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
Buggs hyperextended his knee against Auburn last week. Fortunately, the defensive lineman was seen practicing early in the week. He should play against Georgia. It is also worth noting linebacker Terrell Lewis was cleared for full contact this week and has practiced. However, he will more than likely not play after tearing his ACL in the summer.