Kentucky EDGE J.J. Weaver is shooting to return from injury next week

No. 7 Kentucky will face No. 14 Ole Miss on Saturday without one of its best players. Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be returning to the lineup, but the Cats will face Lane Kiffin’s spread-tempo offense without one of its best defensive players.

After recording a career-high nine tackles in Kentucky’s road win over Florida, redshirt junior EDGE J.J. Weaver suffered what appeared to be an elbow injury on the first series against Youngstown State. The Louisville (Ky.) Moore product missed last week’s game against Northern Illinois and was deemed doubtful for Saturday’s contest in Oxford.

On Thursday evening, the former four-star prospect with 11.5 non-sack tackles for loss and eight sacks in his career went on record on what the recovery plan looks like.

Weaver spoke with Blue Chips on Thursday evening and is planning to return for next week’s SEC East clash with South Carolina on Oct. 8.

“This is God’s plan, that’s what my mom told me. I’m in good spirits,” Weaver said in an interview. “Hopefully I’ll come back next week. That’s my goal.”

In three games, Weaver has recorded 15 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 117 snaps. One of the defense’s top talents has performed like it to this point, but the Cats will have to spend some more time without the veteran playmaker on the field.

In the meantime, J.J. Weaver will be in the background supporting his teammates. He likes what he’s seen from the program to this point.

“This season is amazing and I love my team,” said Weaver.