Colorado’s Thursday injury update brought a mixed bag, but the Buffaloes still took two more hits ahead of their matchup with No. 11 Utah.
The biggest change involved wide receiver Lamar Perry, who was listed as doubtful earlier in the week before being ruled out for the game. Perry’s season has already been a major disappointment by his standards, with just four catches for 21 yards and no touchdowns after nearly reaching 1,000 yards for the Miami University Redhawks in 2025. He dealt with a minor injury earlier in the year, but this latest setback is another blow to both his season and his draft stock.
Colorado also removed Martinez from the report entirely. That does not mean he is available to play.
Martinez recently underwent surgery, and his situation now looks similar to CU center Demetrius Hunter, who was injured in Week 1 and was also taken off the injury report as part of what appears to be a longer recovery timeline. In Colorado’s case, some players have been sidelined all season and never appear on these weekly reports because their status is already settled.
Martinez and Hunter now seem to fit into that group.
The Buffaloes still have a crowded list of offensive absences. Scudero and Atkins remain out as well, and both entered the season expected to be starters before injuries wiped them from the mix. That has left Colorado trying to piece together production from a unit that has struggled to get traction.
Defensively, the uncertainty around Lester remains one of the biggest storylines. He is still questionable, which matters more than usual against Utah’s dangerous two-quarterback look led by Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.
Lester leads Colorado with four sacks and is tied for the Big 12 lead, and the Buffaloes have leaned on Toby Anene and Santana Hopper while he’s been out. Still, getting Lester back would be a major boost on the edge.
Colorado did get one positive development: edge rusher Immanuel Ezeogu was cleared from the injury report after being listed as probable earlier in the week. With Lester’s status unresolved, Ezeogu’s availability gives the Buffs at least some help up front.
Clements and Manuel remain unconfirmed for the game.
In Other News...
Buffs Let A Stronger Start Slip Away At Stanford
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Maya McVey provided the steadiest footing for Colorado, carding a 1-over 72 to lead the Buffaloes individually. With the tournament just getting started, the challenge now is whether the rest of the lineup can turn a shaky opener into something more competitive as the rounds continue. [Read more 🡒]
Buffs Are One Win From A Breakthrough With NCAA Stakes
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Heidi Crncans singles run ended in the round of 16 against Utahs Sara Akid, leaving the doubles pairing as Colorados last chance to leave the tournament with a major breakthrough. Alexin and Bubalo now wait for their Saturday opponent, with the championship match set to determine whether the Buffs can cap the event with an NCAA-clinching win. [Read more 🡒]
Former Big 12 Quarterback Just Added Intrigue To Colorados Utah Week
Diego Pavia brought an unexpected layer of attention to Colorados buildup for Utah week, showing up around the program to back Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. The former Vanderbilt quarterback, who finished as a Heisman finalist, spent time around the team and even gave viewers a peek behind the curtain through Twitch, adding another dose of buzz to a week already carrying Big 12 stakes.
Pavia also offered his take on Colorado quarterback Isaac Wilson, a useful outside perspective as the Buffaloes try to sharpen themselves for one of their biggest conference tests. He sounded optimistic about Colorados path in the Big 12 championship race, and his presence around the team only heightened the sense that this week has a little extra meaning beyond the matchup itself. [Read more 🡒]