DJ Waller injury update: Mark Stoops shares current status of Kentucky DB

It’s been yet another rough start for the Kentucky Wildcats, as it sunk to 0-2 in SEC play following a 35-13 loss to South Carolina Saturday night. Following Kentucky‘s top-10 victory over No. 6 Ole Miss last season, the ‘Cats have now failed to win an SEC game in the past calendar year.

A key cog in that upset victory was defensive back DJ Waller Jr., who recorded two tackles and one pass deflection in the win. Waller, who was expected to play a major role in Kentucky‘s defense this season, has not played since its season opener against Toledo.

He has been out with a hamstring injury, which head coach Mark Stoops touched on Monday. He originally was hoping that Waller would have been back for the clash in Columbia, but that was not the case.

“I was hoping (he would have been back for the South Carolina game), but it’s one of those injuries with a hamstring that’s touchy,” Stoops said. “You know, it’s very frustrating for him. He’s worked very hard and you heard us talking a lot about him in camp and throughout the summer. He worked really hard and continues to work hard and it’s frustrating for him.

“For guys that have never been through that before, you try to educate them and help them and talk them through how they feel okay but in a minute they have to go cover someone and open it up… it’s just a different deal. So, we’ll continue to gauge that.”

Waller is in midst of second season at Kentucky

Waller transferred from Michigan to Lexington ahead of last season. Through two seasons at Kentucky, the Youngstown, OH native has recorded 14 tackles and two pass deflections. In his absence, sophomore defensive back Quay’sheed Scott has played a much larger role than originally anticipated. He’s played in all four games this season, recording 13 tackles and one pass deflection.

Things look like they will continue to get worse before they get better for Kentucky, as it travels to No. 12 Georgia this weekend. The Bulldogs just had their 33-game winning streak snapped by Alabama and could make things ugly Saturday night in Athens. Following that roadtrip, the ‘Cats will face two more ranked opponents (at home) in No. 9 Texas and No. 15 Tennessee.

Against two pass heavy offenses in the Longhorns and ‘Vols, Waller’s return could be massive in potentially pulling off the upset.