You always hate to see injuries occur in the preseason, and over the last few years, Kentucky has had its fair share of bad luck.
Yesterday, it was announced that Isaiah Epps will be out six weeks with a foot fracture. Luckily, the recovery period is shorter and Epps will likely be able to return by Week 4 when Kentucky heads to Starkville to take on Mississippi State, if six weeks is the recovery time needed to return from the injury.
That means Kentucky will need to find someone to fill the void left by Epps, a player that was talked about as being improved from last season and was potentially a starter at the X Wide Receiver slot, despite some inconsistency—especially on deep passes—in the spring.
The likely candidates are Ahmad Wagner, the former Iowa basketball player who drew a lot of attention when he made it on the field last year; Bryce Oliver, the 6’1” redshirt freshman that had a breakout performance in the Blue-White game this spring with 8 catches for 100+ yard and a touchdown; and Allen Dailey, the 6’3” sophomore who had a touchdown against Murray State last year.
One of these guys will have a void to step up as a playmaker down the field for Terry Wilson and to divert attention from Lynn Bowden. Although being a redshirt freshman, Oliver showed big-play ability in the spring game. If he can show that leading up to the opening game against Toledo, it may go a long way toward a starting job.
Regardless, Epps’ injury means someone will have to step up in his absence to help out a receiver group that needs consistent production outside of Bowden.
Tweets of the Day
AAU season highlights of 2020 five-star Josh Christopher. Josh is down to a final five of Arizona State, UCLA, Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan. https://t.co/l7eGb1AqOK pic.twitter.com/x2AdQiwfgU
— Krysten Peek (@KP_Rivals) August 5, 2019
Josh Christopher needs to be in Lexington next year.
First day in full pads #BringIt | #UKCamp19 pic.twitter.com/t13W1emKyd
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) August 6, 2019
Can the season start this weekend?
Quickies
Watch: Eddie Gran talks replacing Isaiah Epps - Courier Journal
Gran likes what Oliver brings to the field.
Three returning Kentucky Football players could be breakout stars - Courier Journal
How much of an impact will Justin Rigg make at the tight end position?
Tuesday Football Practice Report - Cats Pause
Sounds like the running backs are going to be used a lot in the passing game this year.
Josh Ali likes what he’s seen out of Cedrick Dort.
Younger Cats learned by example - Herald Leader
Vince Marrow says this year’s team is hungry for success.
Chairbacks fill Kroger Field - KSR
Bye bye bleachers.
Ahron Ulis commits to Iowa - Cats Pause
Tyler’s brother will be a Hawkeye.
Ezekiel Elliott reportedly won’t play for Cowboys without new contract - ESPN
Could Zeke sit out like Le’Veon Bell?
NCAA sets new rules for agents - ESPN
Some feel the new rules are a direct shot at Rich Paul.
25 most interesting college football coaches - Yahoo
No Mark Stoops to be found.
Five ways to improve your fantasy football league - The Ringer
If your league has grown stale, this could be worth a look.
Will lawsuit force Phillies to ditch their mascot? - Sports Illustrated
Could we be on the verge of mascot free agency?