Colorado will have three key players back in the mix when it kicks off at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.
Defensive end Lamont Lester Jr., defensive back Preston Ashley and offensive lineman Bo Hughley were all removed from the Buffs’ final pregame injury report, clearing the way for each to play in the Week 8 matchup at Boone Pickens Stadium. Lester stands out most of the group; his four sacks lead Colorado, and he had been a limited presence last week against Utah, when he played just three snaps.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed Lester earlier in the week and made it clear he wants more than a cameo.
"We don't want that (minimal playing time) because that's not helping him or helping us," Sanders said following practice on Tuesday. "If you're gonna dress out, you gotta play, or just don't dress.
I'd rather you get the proper treatment so you can get back and be who he is. The kid is phenomenal.
He can really play this game of football, but you don't want half of him. You want the whole."
The Buffs’ game-day report still includes five players ruled out: wide receiver Kam Perry and Danny Scudero, running back Micah Welch, defensive back Braylon Edwards and defensive end Sam Gadie.
"I don't know if Kam Perry is doing well," Sanders said. "I think he's still hurt or suffering.
I don't think he's doing well right now. Didn't see him today.
"
On the Oklahoma State side, the injury list is shorter. Defensive tackle Landon Dean is out, while wide receiver Dayvon Standard is listed as a game-time decision.
Safety Mose Phillips III is not on the injury report, though he’s expected to miss the rest of the season. OSU linebacker Gunnar Wilson is also part of the report.
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The challenge is a major one, with Oklahoma State leaning on Drew Mestemaker and a passing attack that has piled up yards all season. Colorado knows better than to try to win a shootout, so the plan is to get after Mestemaker and make life uncomfortable for him while also looking for openings against a run defense that has been more vulnerable. For a team trying to keep its bowl hopes alive, this one feels like the kind of test that can shape the rest of the fall. [Read more 🡒]