INJURY REPORT: Kentucky Offensive Tackle Unavailable to Start the Season

When Kentucky released the first depth chart of the 2024 season, Big Blue Nation braced for a few absences. Injuries to DL Josaih Hayes, DL Tavion Gadson, and RB Chip Trayanum were not state secrets. There was one player missing from the two-deep that will join those three on the injury report.

Courtland Ford spent almost the entire 2023 season as second on the depth chart at right tackle behind Jeremy Flax. That’s where JUCO transfer Anfernee Crease was found today. Mark Stoops confirmed that Ford will miss an extended amount of time with an unspecified injury.

Ford was a significant transfer portal win last offseason. Kentucky desperately needed help at offensive tackle and Ford was expected to step in seamlessly after starting in 11 games over three seasons at USC. He pushed for playing time, but Flax rose to the occasion to secure his spot at right tackle.

Unfortunately, injuries have been a theme throughout Ford’s collegiate career. They popped up frequently during the Texas native’s time at Southern Cal. Now he’s back on the shelf for an extended amount of time to start the 2024 season.

Kentucky planned ahead to be prepared for this absence. Rather than relying on Ford to start, Gerald Mincey transferred from Tennessee and has been exceptional. Stoops likes the direction the offensive line is taking ahead of the season.

“I like that group. I feel like we’re improving,” Stoops said. “Everybody always wants to continue to build the depth that we’re looking for. We have to continue to bring some young guys along that we feel like can help, and that will be needed to help at some point this season. I think the additions with Mincey and (Jalen) Farmer really helped us. I feel that presence, I feel the physicality out there. We’re not perfect and still a work in progress, but I think we’re getting better.”

Other Minor Kentucky Football Injuries

There were multiple ORs listed in the secondary on the Kentucky football depth chart. That’s because Stoops is going to rotate in a lot of defensive backs on Saturdays. The Kentucky head coach also noted that Michigan transfer DJ Waller has missed time throughout camp due to injury. He’ll be ready to roll on Saturday, but it’s noteworthy to know he has not been 100% this preseason.

There’s one other injury Stoops mentioned. Brandon White frequented the two-deep last season at slot receiver. The speedster from Cincinnati has been sidelined recently with a minor injury.