Rapid recap: Kansas State plan at quarterback
Kansas State injury updates
Kansas State head Coach Chris Klieman was extremely transparent and candid in his press conference on Tuesday when discussing the injuries. In fact, he covered most of the bases in his opening statement and before questions were asked.
It was expected, but Klieman confirmed that K-State linebacker Daniel Green will miss the remainder of the season. He has a pectoral muscle injury which required surgery. That was conducted this morning, and it will mean more Austin Romaine moving forward.
In an unexpected injury report, it was also that revealed that running back Treshaun Ward is doubtful for this week’s contest against UCF. Though it slipped through the cracks, the Kansas State ball-carrier was banged up near the finish of last week’s game in Columbia.
Quarterback Will Howard was described as questionable for Saturday as well. Howard did not practice Monday, but he is expected to return to practice on Tuesday in limited fashion. His status for Saturday will not be determined until the end of the week.
Linebacker Jake Clifton is probably the bye week away from returning. He was injured during the season opener against SEMO and has not played since. The target date for him to come back is when the Wildcats travel to Oklahoma State.
On a more positive note, offensive lineman Christian Duffie should see his first action of the season. The goal is to give him 20-30 snaps against UCF.
Quarterback plan
If Howard is unable to perform versus the Knights on Saturday night, it will be Avery Johnson that receives the start under center. K-State will also have Jake Rubley ready to play, but the plan would be for Johnson to take the reins.
Johnson has been taking most of the first team reps so far this week and should the next few days, too. Even though he was in for all running plays against Missouri, Klieman noted that he is able to do everything that the offense asks of him and would be turned loose.
How Duffie returning helps
The Kansas State offensive line has had a slow start to the season, though they took a step in the right direction against Missouri over the weekend. The hope is that the return of Duffie can help alleviate some of the issues.
He has started 35 games for K-State and brings a lot of experience and veteran leadership to the table. Duffie has also played with this group of starting offensive linemen for much of his career. Because of that, the communication will likely improve.
It also allows the Wildcats to keep Cooper Beebe at his natural position of left guard. Kansas State is a much better offense when they can keep him on the interior.
No worry about K-State linebackers
Even without Green, Klieman showed no panic when chatting about the K-State linebackers.
Romaine as played in all three games so far this season. He has not looked or acted like a true freshman and has been good in spot duty. The ‘Mike’ linebacker has to be a catalyst for the whole defense, so Romaine will have a large responsibility.
But they don’t want to command too much from him, so some of the checks and signals could be executed by senior Austin Moore. He and Desmond Purnell will have to step it up in their communication for the Wildcats.
Another player that could see additional time is Beau Palmer. He played sparingly last year.
