Maxwell Hairston injury update: Mark Stoops reveals status of Kentucky DB vs. Murray State

Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston is expected to return to the lineup against Murray State next week, UK head coach Mark Stoops revealed on Wednesday. The Wildcats are on a bye this week.

Hairston, a preseason All-SEC selection, has missed the past five games with a nagging shoulder injury. He’s recorded eight tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and a pick-six this season.

The standout DB played through his shoulder injury against both Georgia and Ohio, but has been unable to suit up since before the upset at Ole Miss.

Considered the strongest option for Kentucky’s secondary, having him back for the late-season push for bowl eligibility is a welcoming sign for UK and its Big Blue Nation. However, the road to getting there won’t be easy.

While Hairston’s return is expected to come against in-state foe Murray State, a game UK will likely be favored in, they’ll have their work cut out for them during the final two weeks of the regular season. Before hosting bitter rival (No. 22) Louisville at home in the regular season finale, they first have to travel to No. 5 Texas for a matchup with Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns.

Kentucky must win out if it wants to continue its streak of the program record eight bowl appearances in a row under head coach Mark Stoops. However, none of those games, especially the last two, are guaranteed the way UK’s season is going.

At 3-6, Kentucky’s season is on the line every time they take the field. Not only have they lost their last four games, but they were winless during the month of October.

Having someone like Hairston back on the field to anchor a struggling defensive unit is a major plus for the Wildcats. For now, they remain on their bye and won’t be back on the field until Nov. 16 when they take the field against Murray State.

Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. ET live on SECN+.