Mark Stoops announces Kentucky RB expected to miss several weeks
By Jake Rill
Published:
Kentucky is going to be missing some depth in the backfield for at least the next couple games.
On Monday, Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops shared during his press conference that redshirt sophomore Kavosiey Smoke will miss “a couple weeks,” after he suffered a rib injury during the loss to Ole Miss this past Saturday. Stoops said that Smoke was hurt on a play in which he was horsecollar tackled.
Through the first two games, Smoke had 12 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, as he got into the end zone in Kentucky’s season opener at Auburn. He had five carries for 29 yards against Ole Miss before suffering the injury.
Smoke was a key part of the Wildcats’ offense last season as a redshirt freshman, as he appeared in all 13 games and rushed for 616 yards and six touchdowns. He was continuing to be in the mix this season, along with senior Asim Rose and redshirt sophomore Chris Rodriguez Jr., both of whom will now have to carry more of the load.
Kentucky is likely going to have to play well on offense this week, as it will be looking to keep up with Mississippi State’s Air Raid attack. Assuming that Smoke doesn’t return early, he’ll also miss a tough road matchup at No. 14 Tennessee the following week.
This Saturday, Kentucky and Mississippi State is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
