Vanderbilt is heading out of its bye week with a clearer picture on the injury front, and the news is a mix of losses, returns and a few players still trending in the right direction.
The Commodores are trying to reset after dropping their fifth straight game, a loss to ranked Kentucky on Oct. 24. In his first press conference of the week Monday afternoon, Vanderbilt head coach Lea laid out where several injured players stand as the team turns its attention to Mississippi State.
Two players are done for the season. Freshman running back Evan Hampton broke a bone in his lower leg and will not play again this year. Linebacker Josiah Broxton is also out for the season after tearing his ACL.
Broxton’s injury happened during practice in the week leading up to the Kentucky game, and he did not play in Lexington. His diagnosis came later.
“He tore his ACL. We didn’t get an official read on that until we were already in Lexington, but he’ll be out for the season heading toward surgery as soon as he’s able to,” Lea said of Broxton’s injury.
Broxton played in seven games this season and finished with three tackles.
Hampton’s injury came in the middle of the Kentucky game. He was carted off and did not return. The freshman had seven carries for 18 yards this fall.
There’s also a less certain situation involving freshman linebacker Daniel Vollmer Jr., who is likely to miss this weekend’s game at Mississippi State because of a hernia injury.
Not all of the updates were grim. Vanderbilt EDGE Brian Allen Jr. is in line to have a chance to return after sitting out the Kentucky game with an ankle injury. Lea said the ankle has responded well and Allen Jr. appears likely to play this weekend unless something changes later in the week.
The Commodores also welcomed back two defensive players to practice after extended absences. Linebacker Jamison Curtis and cornerback Jaylin Lackey have both returned after dealing with soft tissue injuries.
Curtis and Lackey give Vanderbilt needed depth at linebacker and in the secondary, and Lea said both could see their availability change this week.
“Again, barring setbacks, should have changes in their availability hopefully this week,” Lea said.
Vanderbilt plays Mississippi State in Starkville at 3:15 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
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