Following nine weeks of college football action, things are finally starting to heat up as the business end of the season begins. This week’s college football slate is headlined by a ranked matchup between LSU and Texas A&M.
These are some of the key players dealing with injuries ahead of Week 9 and their status for the weekend.
Week 9 College Football Injury Report
Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordan Tyson has lit things up for Kenny Dillingham and the Arizona State Sun Devils this year. The wide receiver currently leads the Big 12 in catches with 57 receptions. The Arizona receiver also has 628 yards and eight touchdowns, and a receiver impact score of 81.0
During last weekend’s 26-22 win over Texas Tech, which lifted Arizona into the AP Top 25, Tyson suffered an injury. However, he returned to the game and played a key role in the game-winning drive.
The Arizona head coach provided an update during the week. Despite Tyson’s return to the game, the Sun Devils will be without their main offensive weapon against Houston in Week 9.
“This is something where I’m trying to protect him from himself,” Dillingham said on Wednesday.
Devon Dampier, QB, Utah Utes
Last weekend, Utah suffered a significant setback after losing a massive rivalry game against the BYU Cougars. During the game, starting quarterback Devon Dampier exited with an injury. His status for Week 9 is currently questionable.
Dampier has been a huge transfer portal pickup for Utah. After joining from New Mexico, he has emerged as one of the top QBs in college football. He currently ranks as the 16th-best quarterback in the nation, with an impact score of 84.4.
“We have to wait a few days to see how he’s healing up from the game. You’ll start getting the availability report and the likelihood of who’s playing and who’s not on Wednesday,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Currently, the Utes quarterback is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 clash against Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
After a tough loss to the Georgia Bulldogs last weekend, the Ole Miss Rebels have another massive clash in Week 9 against the Oklahoma Sooners. This matchup will have huge implications for the playoff race as the No. 13 and No. 11-ranked teams face off.
Ole Miss released its midweek availability report on Wednesday ahead of the road game at Oklahoma, listing three players as questionable and one as probable.
One of those listed as questionable was tight end Dae’Quan Wright. The tight end ranks second on the team in receptions and receiving yards.
The Rebels will also be forced to play without their third-best receiver. Deuce Alexander, who is the Rebels’ third-leading receiver with 22 catches for 382 yards and one touchdown, was also listed as questionable.
Whit Weeks, LB, LSU.
Last weekend, reports suggested that linebacker Whit Weeks would attempt to play against Vanderbilt despite his injury. However, after testing his ankle in warmups, he was ruled out of the game. LSU is currently 0-5 when Weeks does not play or start.
The junior has been a key contributor this season, recording 12 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery in six games, but several injuries have marked his career at LSU.
LSU will need everyone firing if it wants to defeat unbeaten Texas A&M in Week 9. A loss on Saturday could potentially put head coach Brian Kelly out of playoff contention — and they will most likely have to cope without Weeks once again.
On Wednesday night’s availability report, the junior linebacker was listed as doubtful.
“Whit is still non-weight bearing. He’s in the boot, and we’ll keep the boot on for another couple of days before we know what he can do,” Kelly said.
Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina Gamecocks
Alabama will look to continue its hot run of form within the SEC with a clash on the road against South Carolina this weekend. However, the Gamecocks will have edge rusher Dylan Stewart back in action against the Crimson Tide.
Stewart left the game against Oklahoma early in the first half and didn’t return, dealing with a hip injury, according to head coach Shane Beamer. However, following the injury scare, Stewart was not listed on the SEC injury report on Oct. 22 heading into Week 9.
After the latest defeat dropped the Gamecocks to 3-4 on the year, they face a tough schedule ahead. With games against Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, the team is in danger of missing a bowl game under head coach Beamer.
Having Stewart back will be a massive help against Alabama. The edge rusher currently ranks top 25 in the nation this season, with 3.5 sacks and seven QB hits as he prepares to take on Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson in Week 9.
