Mark Stoops provides injury update on JJ Weaver

After Kentucky linebacker JJ Weaver left Saturday’s game in the first quarter with an injury to his left arm and did not return, Wildcats coach Mark Stoops provided an update postgame. Stoops said though he doesn’t expect the injury to be season-ending, he isn’t sure at this point when Weaver will be ready to return.

“Injured,” Stoops said when asked about the linebacker’s status. “You think I’m gonna tell you anything else? We’ll see what happens and I’ll give you a better update Monday. I really have no idea at this point. I don’t think it’s season-ending or anything like that.”

 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. He recorded just one tackle before his exit.

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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 also led 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.

Weaver was later seen on the sidelines Saturday with sling on his arm and appeared to have a brace on his elbow. No official diagnosis has been announced.

Even with the injury to JJ Weaver, the Kentucky defense went on to shut out Youngstown State in a 31-0 victory Saturday. The Wildcats will now await news on the linebacker as they look toward a Week 4 contest against Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.