Mark Stoops provides encouraging update on injured RB Chip Trayanum

Will we see Chip Trayanum take the field for the first time as a Wildcat this weekend? Head coach Mark Stoops says there’s a chance it will happen.

“Chip, I think he’s close,” Stoops said during his radio call-in show on Monday. “He was getting closer last week, but wasn’t quite ready. Hopefully — we may see him this week. We’ll see.”

Trayanum has been sidelined since the beginning of the season due to a broken hand. He appeared to be trending toward a return a few weeks ago when Stoops said that Trayanum had been cleared to return to practice. However, the running back never made it off the Injury Report and has still yet to take the field.

Trayanum came to Kentucky after two seasons at Arizona State (2020-21) and two more at Ohio State (2022-23). The 5-foot-11, 225-pound ball carrier was the Buckeyes’ leading rusher a season ago before entering the portal. If he’s ultimately ready to play on Saturday on the road against Florida, he’ll join a stable of running backs headlined by Demie Sumo-Karngbaye and Jamarion Wilcox.

Trayanum isn’t the only hurt Wildcat trending in the right direction either. Stoops mentioned offensive lineman Courtland Ford as another guy on the verge of returning to the gridiron. Ford appeared in all 13 games last season for Kentucky after transferring over from Southern California, but an injury has kept him from playing so far in 2024.

“I think Courtland Ford is another guy that has had one issue that’s been lingering for a year, year and a half. He’s getting closer,” Stoops added. “I think that would be some welcomed help on the offensive line, gives you some series and eliminate some pressure from some of these guys. We’re getting closer.”

More offensive depth is never a bad thing. Kentucky could use them both this weekend in Gainesville. Kickoff against the Gators is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:45 p.m. EST on the SEC Network.