JJ Weaver wearing brace, sling on arm after first half injury

JJ Weaver will not return following a gruesome injury to his arm in the first quarter vs. Youngstown State. According to reports, the Kentucky star watched the remainder of the first half from the Kentucky tunnel. He has a sling on his arm and appeared to have a brace on his elbow.

No official diagnosis has been announced, but during a first quarter play, Weaver landed on his arm as he fell to the ground where his arm seemingly bent inward – almost in half – in the first quarter and was helped to the locker room afterward.

Weaver was one of the stars for Kentucky in their upset over Florida in the Swamp last week. He led the team in total tackles with nine and currently leads the team in overall tackles (14) as of his injury. The former four-star recruit is an integral part of defensive coordinator Brad White’s defense, and will be a huge blow to Kentucky’s pass rush if he were to miss extended time.

Kentucky leads Youngstown State 21-0 at halftime. Catch the final 30 minutes of action from Kroger Field live on the SEC Network.

Mark Stoops comments on Kentucky’s slow first half vs Youngstown State

A turnover-riddled first half for No. 9 Kentucky didn’t stop them from taking a 21-0 lead over FCS opponent Youngstown State in Lexington Saturday afternoon. Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops wasn’t particularly pleased with his squad’s performance in the first half and identified what needs to improve before UK comes out after the break.

“The ball is on the ground too much,” Stoops said at halftime. “That’s the big thing. We talked about ball security. We’re kind of sloppy with the football. We’re moving [the ball], but not super clean, so I’m not real pleased.”

On the defensive end, however, the ‘Cats have only allowed Youngstown State to accrue one first down through the game’s first 30 minutes. They’ve only let the Penguins past midfield once as well, and that was only the case because of a UK fumble.

“That side has been playing all day,” Stoops said. “They’re playing hard, playing good. We make them work for their yards.”

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Star quarterback Will Levis the first half completing 14 of his 17 passes for 188 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His new favorite target this season, true freshman Dane Key, continues to be more impressive as the season progresses. His five receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown lead the team at the break.

Also noteworthy or Kentucky, star edge rusher JJ Weaver will likely not return after being named doubtful after his injury. Weaver headed to the locker room in the first quarter after he landed on his arm as he fell to the ground where his arm seemingly bent inward – almost in half – in the first quarter and was helped to the locker room afterward.