College Football Injury Report: Week 1
Here is a list of injuries that could have the greatest impact in the first week of college football in 2016.
Injuries come, Injuries go. Some deter a whole teams plans for the season, while some create new and greater opportunity. Here are this week’s key injuries that could affect Week 1 outcomes.
Thomas Sirk, QB, Duke
Duke lost quarterback Thomas Sirk for the season after re-tearing his left Achilles tendon in practice. Sirk originally suffered tore his Achilles at the end of last season, and this is actually the third Achilles tendon tear for Sirk in his career. Redshirt freshman Daniel Jones will get his first start at quarterback on Saturday and lead the Blue Devils going forward a year after Sirk got the job. The Blue Devils face the North Carolina Central Eagles this week at home, which should be a good warm up for Jones to show off his abilities.
Ra’Shaad Samples, WR, Houston
Ra’Shaad Samples has been ruled out for the Houston Cougars’ season opener against the Oklahoma Sooners due to a concussion. Samples was expected to play a key role at the slot receiver position this season after transferring from Oklahoma State and sitting out last season. His debut will have to be put on hold at least until Week 2. Depth is certainly an issue for the Cougars entering Week 1 at the receiver position. Linnell Bonner will start in Samples position and true freshman D’Eriq King will be the backup.
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Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston
Another Houston receiver, Marquez Stevenson, is out 6-8 weeks after breaking his collarbone. The Cougars expected Stevenson to contribute right away, as a part of Houston’s highly rated 2016 recruiting class. He was expected to see time at the slot receiver position. Stevenson is expected to return in mid to late October and will certainly be missed by quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who could potentially have a big season. The Cougars open the season against Oklahoma.
Chad Wheeler, OL, USC
Chad Wheeler will miss the Trojans’ season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide due to plantar fasciitis. The absence of Wheeler will certainly hurt the offensive line strength for quarterback Max Browne in his first start. Wheeler’s replacement will be Chuma Edoga, who has two starts to his credit in 2015. This certainly could create problems for the Trojans offense as they prepare to face arguably the best defense in the country. Wheeler is currently out indefinitely.
T.J. Edwards, LB, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers will be without linebacker T.J. Edwards indefinitely due to a fractured left foot. The Badgers will miss Edwards’ services on a defense that is looking to rebuild and reclaim a Big Ten title in the process. Edwards led the Badgers in tackles last season with 84. Linebackers Chris Orr and Jack Cichy will start in Edward’s absence. Orr and Cichy will have their work cut out for them as Wisconsin opens the season against LSU and star running back Leonard Fournette.