Kentucky Football: Update on the injured Cats as spring football begins

The Kentucky Wildcats just started spring football, but two players have already been sidelined with injuries.

Junior tight Justin Rigg and senior cornerback Chris Westry collided at practice on Monday, which led to Rigg being transported to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a lacerated spleen.

Thankfully, it was nothing major, and head coach Mark Stoops thinks the junior tight end will be fine.

“There was nothing major where they felt like they had to take it out,” Stoops said. “The good news is all of the tests were positive. He’s feeling good.”

While a full recovery is expected, Rigg he remains in the hospital on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of spring football. Rigg is looking to lock down his spot as the No. 2 tight end next season behind senior C.J. Conrad.

As for Westry, he will likely miss the rest of the week following the collision. The senior cornerback is looking to rebound in his final college season after losing his starting job during his junior year.

Elsewhere, three players entered spring recovering from injuries and will not participate, including Conrad (foot), wide receiver Dorian Baker (ankle) and cornerback Derrick Baity (shoulder).

Backup quarterback Walker Wood is not yet 100 percent after being held out last season due to a leg injury, but did return to practice on Monday.

Baker is projected to be UK’s No. 1 receiver next season after Garrett Johnson graduated, while Baity is the team’s No. 1 cornerback. Wood is hoping to compete for the starting quarterback job following Stephen Johnson graduating and Drew Barker retiring from football.