Mark Stoops tabs Kentucky OLB JJ Weaver as 'week-to-week'
There were serious concerns about the availability of Kentucky OLB JJ 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, Mark Stoops provided a positive update during his press conference on Monday. It sounds like Weaver will be back sooner than expected with Stoops listing him as ‘week to 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.
However, Kentucky’s linebacker corps is one of the deepest groups on the team and could withstand an injury like this. It’s now on DeAndre Square, Jacquez Jones, and Jordan Wright to carry a little extra load until Weaver can return.
Stoops provides injury update on JJ Weaver following Saturday’s shutout
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.
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.