TCU got some encouraging news in its first injury report for Saturday’s matchup with No. 10 BYU, even as a few important names still landed on the wrong side of the ledger.
Starting linebacker Max Carroll is not listed anywhere on the report after leaving early in the first quarter of the Frogs’ loss to UCF last week. Carroll has been a steady presence for TCU, ranking fourth on the team with 16 tackles.
Backup offensive lineman Ryan Hughes also avoided the injury list. That’s a notable development after he was initially projected as probable against UCF before being ruled out a day before kickoff. Hughes gives TCU needed depth at an offensive line spot that has already been tested.
There’s also a chance Perry Cole Jr. could suit up. He is listed as questionable, and he has practiced this week. If he plays, he would add help to a defensive front that will need every available body against BYU’s running game.
Defensive end Zach Chapman is questionable too. He has been practicing this week, is beginning to work into more reps with the team, and Sonny Dykes said earlier in the week that he expects Chapman to play. Chapman has not appeared this season.
TCU will, however, be without a few contributors. Reserve running back Joe Pitchford is out.
Pitchford has value in multiple offensive packages and on special teams, and he already has one rushing touchdown this year. With him unavailable, true freshman Amante Martin could see some work on offense.
Backup linebacker Michael Short is also out after getting hurt in the UCF game. Short is third on the team with 17 tackles.
Kicker Kyle Lemmermann remains out as well. Nate McCashland has handled those duties in his absence, and last week he went 2-of-3 on field goal tries.
The initial report is just the first step, with another update due Thursday night and more coming 90 minutes before kickoff.
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TCU Gets A Huge Chance To Respond Against No. 10 BYU
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BYUs Best Edge At TCU Could Decide This Big 12 Test
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One of the reasons the Cougars have drawn so much attention is the form of running back LJ Martin, whose recent stretch has given BYU a real edge on offense. Add in the betting expectations around the matchup, and this feels like the kind of test that can swing on a few key plays, with TCU needing to prove it can match up when the opponent brings both momentum and a clear identity. [Read more 🡒]