Colorado’s injury picture is still a work in progress heading into Week 3, and the Buffaloes got another reminder of that during Saturday’s 52-21 win over Weber State on Sept. 12.
The good news is obvious: Colorado is 2-0 after a comeback win over Georgia Tech and then a comfortable follow-up against Weber State. The less comfortable part is what’s happening behind the scenes. With a road trip to Northwestern up next, the Buffs are carrying a growing list of injured and unavailable players into their final non-conference game before Big 12 play begins.
According to 247Sports’ Jack Carlough, 10 Colorado players were dressed in street clothes and did not suit up against Weber State. Among the players who sat out were wide receivers Kaleb Mathis and Hykeem Williams, along with defensive linemen Vili Taufatofua, Yamil Talib, and Sam Gadie. The absences on both sides of the ball only sharpen the focus on how much depth Colorado really has in the trenches.
The offensive line is one of the biggest areas to watch. Demetrius Hunter, Jose Soto, and Taj White were all out in Week 2, while the Buffs have kept the same starting five up front through their first two games: Bo Hughley, Chauncey Gooden, Sean Kinney, Jayvon McFadden, and Leon Bell.
Colorado does have some options beyond that group, with Lary Johnson III and Yahya Attia not in the starting lineup and freshman Xavier Payne getting meaningful reps in the win over Weber State. Even so, that next layer is still fairly untested if the injuries keep piling up.
The defensive front has its own questions, too. Colorado’s line is being led by Lamont Lester Jr. and Toby Anene, with Santana Hopper, Dylan Manuel, Samu Taumanupepe, and Immanuel Ezeogu playing important roles in the rotation. Losing more bodies there would test the group quickly.
There’s also uncertainty at wide receiver. Deion Sanders said he does not expect Danny Scudero to play against Northwestern after a foot injury during fall camp. Scudero has caught five passes for 24 yards through two games.
Sanders also addressed Kam Perry, who had been limited by an elbow injury, and made it clear he expects him to be available.
“I don't know if Danny's going to be healthy this week. Kam definitely is going to be healthy.
He's going to play; nothing happened to Kam. He's good.
He's got to lock in a little more in understanding what we're trying to accomplish. But the kid can play the game.
I mean, he makes plays in practice on a daily basis; love what he brings to the table. Just got to keep their energy up and keep that dog in the forefront of his mind because he is that,” Sanders said.
Colorado’s latest injury read will come when it faces Northwestern on Saturday, Sept. 19, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m. MT.
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