Suspension details emerging for Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez

A decision could be close on Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez’s suspension. It sounds like he’ll miss at least the first couple games.

Rodriguez is expected to miss the first three or four games of the season, according to KSR’s Matt Jones, who added a final decision will come next week. Regardless, Rodriguez will likely miss Kentucky’s Week 2 matchup against Florida on Sept. 10, per Jones’ report. The suspension is a result of an ongoing DUI case, to which he pled guilty last month.

“Hearing from a couple of sources that Chris Rodriguez will be out suspended either 3 or 4 games to start the season,” Jones tweeted. “Final total will be determined next week. He will miss the Florida game.”

Rodriguez is a major impact player for Kentucky, leading the Wildcats’ rushing attack last season when he totaled 1,378 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns. He was arrested in May for DUI and had to pay a fine and had his license suspended for four to six months as part of the guilty plea, according to Kentucky.com.

More on Chris Rodriguez’s situation, his role on the Kentucky offense

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops offered his brief thoughts on Rodriguez’s situation at SEC Media Days last month, saying he couldn’t provide much more information what could be next for him.

“Chris is in Lexington working very hard with the team, training (and) getting ready,” Stoops said. “I don’t really have any other comment at this time.”

Once Rodriguez gets back on the field — whenever that might be — Kentucky quarterback Will Levis said he hopes to get the star running back more involved in the offense.

“Yeah, I didn’t think he had that in him to be honest,” Levis joked Aug. 6. “But no, Chris is awesome. And to get him more involved in the passing game was a goal of mine. Just the running backs in general was a goal of mine. So to make that throw and to make him believe in me and to show that I believe in him by giving that opportunity. Definitely going to be more opportunities like that in the future.”