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Kentucky likely to miss Heard, Blue in Saturday’s showdown with Ohio
By Ethan Levine
Published:
The Kentucky Wildcats may be missing two of their most dangerous offensive weapons when they take on the Ohio Bobcats Saturday inside Commonwealth Stadium.
Tailback Braylon Heard continues to battle a bum ankle and his availability for Saturday remains in serious jeopardy, which is consistent with the reports on his recovery from the beginning of the week.
Head coach Mark Stoops told the media Heard “more than likely will not play” following Thursday’s practice, which would be a major blow to the Cats’ explosiveness on offense. Apparently, Heard has made every effort to get back on the field, but his ankle simply hasn’t cooperated thus far.
“He tried to get out there today, run around a little bit, so we’ll see. Maybe he’ll heal up,” Stoops said Thursday. “I’m not trying to hold anything. It’s just the way I feel right now and the way he looks right now it’s questionable.”
There’s no need for Stoops to rush Heard along prior to the start of SEC play, especially as he aims to develop depth at the skill positions on offense. Ohio allowed Kent State to rush for just 1.4 yards per carry last weekend, but using a handful of different backs with different skill sets could be the key to overcoming a stout Bobcats run defense.
Of course, Heard’s absence could also be a major detriment to UK as it faces Ohio, but forcing him back into the lineup prematurely in Week 2 could cost him significant time in the second half of the season.
Joining Heard on the list of offensive weapons who may sit out Saturday’s game is wide receiver Javess Blue, UK’s leading receiver from a year ago. He has not practiced all week while recovering from his own ankle sprain suffered against UTM last week, as confirmed by Stoops after Thursday’s final practice of the week.
Blue caught a 44-yard pass on the Cats opening drive last week to set up its first touchdown of the game, but caught just one other pass for -2 yards before suffering the injury.
After sitting out the entire week, Blue is also unlikely to play on Saturday, leaving the Cats without a starting wideout. Kentucky is already thin at that position as Alex Montgomery and Jeff Badet continue to nurse injuries dating back to before the start of the season. As a result, senior Demarco Robinson and sophomore Ryan Timmons will have to carry the load in addition to the Cats four true freshmen phenoms on the outside.
Kickoff between the Wildcats and the Bobcats is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET in Lexington.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
