Kansas State still doesn’t have a clear answer on Avery Johnson, and that uncertainty is hanging over the Wildcats as they move toward next Saturday’s home game against Colorado.
After Kansas State’s 28-17 loss to Arizona State in Tempe, head coach Collin Klein was asked about his quarterback’s status and whether a return was close. He didn’t have a clean update.
“There’s a few more questions than answers right now,” Klein said. “Still trying to handle things, and our medical staff and doctors are doing a great job of working through everything and making sure that we do it right.”
Johnson was already a surprise entry on the injury report Wednesday, listed as questionable before slipping to doubtful on Friday and then being ruled out before kickoff. The team has not disclosed the exact injury.
The issue appears tied to Kansas State’s win over Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown. Johnson broke free for a 59-yard run in the first quarter, then went down awkwardly and left the game for one play. He came back on the next possession and finished with 209 passing yards, a touchdown, and 132 rushing yards.
With Johnson sidelined against Arizona State, fifth-year senior Jacob Knuth got his first career start. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, but Kansas State never got much going on the ground and finished with just 84 rushing yards.
Klein had praise for Knuth after the game, but there’s no doubt Johnson’s return would give a lift to a Kansas State team that has dropped to 4-3.
For now, though, the Wildcats are still waiting for clarity. Kansas State is back home Saturday, October 31, against Colorado.
In Other News...
Former Kansas State Players Are Making Noise All Over College Football
The ripple effect from Kansas States roster building has been easy to spot well beyond Manhattan, with former Wildcats turning up in key moments across the college football map in Week 8. Tobi Osunsanmi helped Indiana pull out an overtime win at Michigan with three tackles and two sacks, while DeVon Rice made his mark for Hawaii by scoring three touchdowns in a victory over Northern Illinois.
Jemyri Davis added another strong showing to the list, putting together a career night for Memphis in its overtime win against East Carolina with seven catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. For Kansas State, it is another reminder that its former players are continuing to make an impact in pressure-packed games, even if they are doing it in different colors this fall. [Read more 🡒]
Collin Klein Sounds Fed Up With What Kansas State Must Fix
The frustration was plain after Kansas States 28-17 loss to Arizona State, with Collin Klein leaving little doubt that the Wildcats have work to do in several areas. He pointed directly to the offensive line and the struggles on third down, two issues that helped stall a night when the offense never found much rhythm.
Jacob Knuth drew a positive mention from Klein for the way he competed and handled the physical side of the game, a small bright spot in an otherwise disappointing result. Klein also made it clear the fixes have to come from everywhere, not just the players on the field, as Kansas State looks for cleaner execution from both the roster and the coaching staff moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Felix Anudike-Uzomah Is Finally Forcing His Way Into Chiefs Plans
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is finally getting the kind of runway the Chiefs envisioned when they made him a first-round pick in 2023. After a start to his pro career slowed by surgeries on both hamstrings, he has worked back into the lineup and started all five games this season, giving Kansas City a healthier look off the edge and a chance to see more of the former Kansas State standout in a real role.
For Anudike-Uzomah, the shift has been about more than just being available. Injuries had repeatedly interrupted his progress, including a complete tear of his right hamstring and lingering trouble with the left, but the early returns have been enough for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to note how much better he has looked and how much more he is affecting the field. The bigger question now is whether this is the point where his development finally starts matching the Chiefs long-term plans. [Read more 🡒]