Injury Report: Kentucky Thin at Running Back without Rodriguez, Jefferson

Mark Stoops’ Kentucky football team will go to The Swamp short on running backs. Once considered a strength of the team with up to five running backs in the rotation, there might only be two available against Florida. Take a closer look at the week two injury report.

No News on Chris Rodriguez, Jordan Wright

Similar to his opening week press conference, Mark Stoops had no new news to report about Chris Rodriguez and Jordan Wright. The “don’t call them” suspended players appear to once again be a no-go in Gainesville.

“I wish I did guys. I wish I did (have an update). Being a holiday today I don’t have anything I can report,” Stoops told reporters at Kroger Field. “Again, I’ve always been transparent with you and tried to be the best I can. Again I’ve been advised, there are things going on, there are layers to this I’ve been advised I cannot comment on it. I’m not trying to hide things from you.”

He was pushed with more questions surrounding the team captains’ status. Stoops reluctantly shared that he cannot share any more.

“If I could say it I would. I’m not trying to hold anything back. I can’t be any more clear on it. I’ve been advised not to say… I think you can understand it’s out of my hands.”

Ramon Jefferson Injury, JuTahn McClain is a Maybe

Offseason issues sidelined Chris Rodriguez for the first game of the season. Uncertain of his availability in the summer, Kentucky took Sam Houston State transfer Ramon Jefferson. The FCS All-American had arguably the two best carries of the night, until he suffered a knee injury. Mark Stoops does not expect him to be available for “several weeks; for the extended future Ramon will be out.”

Saturday night JuTahn McClain was second on the team with six carries. He was also sent to the sideline in the fourth quarter with a lower leg injury. Stoops considers McClain “week to week.” The door is open for McClain to play vs. Florida, but don’t hold your breath.

While the other two got banged up, La’Vell Wright rose up the depth chart. The North Hardin product performed well in limited snaps, however, those snaps were limited because of a preseason leg injury and he’s still playing catch-up. Kentucky can’t afford another setback for Wright in Gainesville.

The running game should play a significant role in Saturday’s game. In Kentucky’s only victory in The Swamp, the Wildcats rushed for 303 yards and averaged more than 7 yards per carry. In last Saturday’s barn-burner against Utah the Florida defense allowed 230 yards on the ground, while the Utes chewed up on average 5.9 yards per rush.

Other Injury Updates: Trevin Wallace Back

Many concerned Kentucky fans were asking Saturday night why LB Trevin Wallace did not play against Miami (OH). The former Top 100 prospect was dressed but never entered the game. Stoops revealed Monday that Wallace had a minor injury. After the Friday walk-through they considered playing him, but ultimately chose against it. He will be good to go this week against Florida. Last year he returned a blocked field goal 76 yards for a touchdown to propel Kentucky past Florida.