Eli Drinkwitz reveals injury status of Ennis Rakestraw, Cody Schrader vs. Kentucky

Heartbreak occurred for Missouri on Saturday, falling just short against LSU. Unfortunately, there is no time to reflect when playing an SEC schedule as Eli Drinkwitz has now turned his attention to Kentucky. A crucial game in the East, playing in Lexington is a tough task.

The job may be harder with Missouri dealing with some injuries. One of those is defensive back Ennis Rakestraw, with a groin problem bothering him. Drinkwitz revealed it’s been an issue for a few weeks now and will keep him off the field against Kentucky.

“He’s been battling a groin thing,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s a unique situation. That’s what held him out of the Memphis game. It’s flared back up on the other side. We’re going to hold him this week. So, he’ll be out this week.”

Rakestraw could play on Saturday but nothing would be solved long-term. If it were up to the player, he would undoubtedly been on the field. But taking an extra week off so Rakestraw can be on the field for the final stretch of the season is what’s best for him.

“We need to try to get him healthy so we’re not constantly going on this back and forth,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s not fair to him as a player. He’s a competitor and if it’s left to his own devices, he’s always going to air on the side of wanting to compete to play. The job as a head coach is to make sure we balance that team and individual — what’s best for both at the same time.”

Eli Drinkwitz reveals Cody Schrader is dealing with pulled quad, still questionable vs. Kentucky

Cody Schrader would have been a hero had Missouri pulled out the win against LSU. Heck, he still might be considering his performance on a pulled quad.

“To rush for 100-something yards against LSU for three touchdowns on a pulled quad — it’s remarkable,” Drinkwitz said. “There is no other way to say it.”

Drinkwitz classified the running back as questionable heading into Saturday. Any other player and they would be a more negative designation. Schrader is going to attempt to play through any kind of injury and wants to be out there for Missouri.

“He’ll be questionable this week at best,” Drinkwitz said. “That is a tough injury. I would have put him in a different category but we’re talking about Cody Schrader. So, if he’s breathing, he’s going to be trying to play.