Tayven Jackson injury update: UCF QB reportedly suiting up after exiting game without pads

UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson put his pads back on during the third quarter of the Knights’ Week 5 game against Kansas State. Jackson was previously injured and taken out of the game during the first half and was even seen on the sideline with a sling on.

Trailing 24-7, UCF opted to put their quarterback in the game. The extent of the injury he suffered remains to be seen.

With nine minutes left in the second quarter, Jackson exited the game after taking a big hit. He was helped to the medical tent after staying on the field for some time. He was favoring his left arm close to his body while walking to the sideline. When he left the tent, he was seen without his pads on, indicating that his day is over.

However, this wouldn’t be the case. Despite Jackson returning to the UCF sideline without pads before halftime, it appears that he was deemed fit to re-enter the game. It’s unlikely the Knights would have made that call without having permission from athletic training staff on-hand, so it seems Jackson’s injury wasn’t as serious as initially thought.

During the second quarter he was replaced by Jacurri Brown. Brown who threw an interception with his first passing attempt on the day, which Kansas State took advantage of by scoring the first touchdown of the day for either team. Brown would turn this interception around on the second drive, connecting with WR DJ Black for an 82-yard strike to cut into the lead. However, that was the only touchdown the Knights had to their credit before putting Jackson back into the ball game.

By the time Jackson returned to the game, Kansas State had already generated a three-score lead. Despite this, the Knights are playing to win and placing their QB1 back in the game indicates this.

The Knights will be back in action next week, hosting Kansas in Orlando. Jackson’s status for the matchup remains to be seen, but his designation, as well as injury status — if any — will likely be revealed in the coming days.

For now, fans can watch the Knights attempt to come back in the second half against their Big 12 counterpart live on FS1. If the score holds, Week 5 will be UCF’s first loss of the season under head coach Scott Frost.