ESPN confirms Chris Rodriguez is out vs. Florida

If you’ve been following the Chris Rodriguez situation, it’s been pretty clear that he wasn’t going to play this week vs. Florida. With the nation turning its eyes to Kentucky vs. Florida tomorrow night, ESPN’s Chris Low just confirmed that Rodriguez will miss the game as he awaits a ruling from the NCAA.

Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will miss his second straight game while awaiting a ruling from the NCAA and won’t play Saturday for @UKFootball against @GatorsFB, sources tell ESPN.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) September 9, 2022

Matt Jones was the first to report that Rodriguez was waiting to hear from the NCAA, not UK, on when he’ll be able to return to the field for his part in an undisclosed off-the-field matter.

“I am told it is the NCAA (causing the hold up). That UK is basically waiting to hear (from the NCAA),” Jones said on Wednesday. “They thought they would hear yesterday and they have not yet. So this is not a UK delay. It is an NCAA delay.”

Jones is hearing that Rodriguez is still expected to miss three to four games in total, with the most likely scenario being a return following the Northern Illinois game on Sept. 24.

“I’ve been advised that I just need to stay mum on this situation,” Mark Stoops said Monday. “It’s not Mark Stoops. It’s out of my hands. … I don’t have anything I can report. I’ve always been transparent with you, tried to be the best I can. Again I’ve been advised — there are things going on, layers to this that I’ve been advised I really can’t comment on it. It’s not that I’m trying to hide things from you.

“If I could say it, I would. I mean, it’s that simple. I’m not trying to hold anything back. I can’t be more clear now. I’ve been advised — I think you can understand that it’s out of my hands.”

Jordan Wright cleared

Senior linebacker Jordan Wright was also held out of the season-opener vs. Miami (OH), but yesterday, was cleared to return to practice and competition. He’ll be available for Kentucky tomorrow night, a huge boost to the defense. The super senior out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. has 106 total tackles in his career to go with 15.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.

“It’s good to get Jordan back,” Stoops said last night. “He brings experience, brings another pass rusher, and another body to chase around a very good quarterback. We need all hands on deck and really glad that he’s back and cleared to play.”