Mark Stoops shares an optimistic Will Levis update

Mark Stoops opened South Carolina week by sharing that his team is physically “banged up” without providing too many specific injury updates. Wednesday night we learned quarterback Will Levis was one of the beat up players, considered questionable for Saturday night’s game at Kroger Field.

Thursday evening members of the local media questioned Kentucky‘s head coach about his quarterback’s status. Mark Stoops does not have any news to share.

“No news,” Stoops said. “My policy is if somebody’s out, I’ll tell you. I don’t have anybody out. If I had somebody out, I’d tell you.”

That’s much better news than “he’s out.” However, trepidation is encouraged until Will Levis is announced as the starting quarterback approximately 30 minutes before kickoff Saturday night at Kroger Field. Even though it is the policy Mark Stoops abides by, he still plays things close to the vest, particularly in the situation of a quarterback that could be a game-time decision.

Coach Mark Stoops on the status of Will Levis⬇️ pic.twitter.com/serdyuzjxY

— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) October 6, 2022

Will Levis Injury Background

Will Levis took a nasty hit in the first half against Ole Miss. The play resulted in a safety, a dislocated finger and a lower leg injury.

Levis is 14-4 as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. A projected first round NFL Draft pick, this season Levis ranks in the top 25 nationally in multiple statistical categories. Through five games he has 1,405 yards (No. 21), averages 10.0 yards per attempt (No. 7) with a QB rating of 174.92 (No. 9). Levis ranks second nationally in passes of 40+ and 50+ yards, with eight and five, respectively.

If Will Levis does not feel great before kickoff and is unable to play against South Carolina, Kaiya Sheron will be called into action. The 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman has not thrown a pass in a game at Kroger Field since he dialed up a game-winner in the final seconds of Somerset’s 2019 2A State Title.

Other Kentucky Football Injuries

Mum’s the word on if J.J. Weaver will play against South Carolina, but the Kentucky outside linebacker said last week his goal was to play against the Gamecocks. He hyperextended his elbow against Youngstown State.

Do not expect starting linebacker Jacquez Jones to play Saturday night. The Super Senior was sidelined last week after picking off a pass in his old home stadium. Stoops initially did not rule him out at his Monday press conference, then informed his radio show listeners that it is doubtful the linebacker will play this Saturday.

Starting right tackle Jeremy Flax suffered a hamstring injury on the final drive of the Ole Miss game. Sources tell KSR Deondre Buford is expected to earn his first career start in Flax’s absence.