Mark Stoops updates the status of Kentucky linebacker JJ Weaver, running back Chris Rodriguez

Mark Stoops provided an update on the availability on Kentucky linebacker JJ Weaver and running back Chris Rodriguez on Wednesday.

First, there were serious concerns about the availability of Weaver moving forward after Kentucky’s win over Youngstown State. The junior was injured in the first quarter of the Wildcat’s 31-0 victory over the weekend.

After getting knocked over on a block, Weaver’s left arm bent backward in what was a very awkward-looking injury. Weaver was later seen in the tunnel with a sling and brace on that arm.

While there was some uncertainty after the game, Stoops called Weaver ‘week to week’ during his press conference on Monday. However, he revealed the linebacker will miss this weekend’s game against Northern Illinois for the Wildcats.

“JJ Weaver will not participate this weekend, he’s out this week,” revealed Stoops, via the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “We’ll take another look at that next week.”

Over his two games and some change, Weaver has put up 15 tackles and a sack. He also has a forced fumble to his credit. Weaver has been a key part of the Wildcat defense since his emergence as part of a group that has given up under 10 points per game this season. It’s now on DeAndre Square, Jacquez Jones, and Jordan Wright to carry a little extra load until Weaver can return.

Meanwhile, Stoops stated that Rodriguez is practicing with the Wildcats in preparation of his 2022 debut against Ole Miss.

“Stoops said Chris Rodriguez practiced with the team while waiting to hear from the NCAA,” tweeted Tyler Thompson of KSR. “Once they got word he could play vs. Ole Miss, he started taking reps on the scout team and is now doing some with the 1s and 2s.”

As Kentucky readies for the tougher part of their schedule, it’ll be nice to have two impact players back on the field. Mark Stoops and the Wildcats have a ton of for the remainder of 2022.

More on JJ Weaver, Kentucky Wildcats

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.”

Moreover, 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.

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.

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.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.