Jeff Brohm "hopeful" to have offensive stars healthy at Pittsburgh
Starting this week, ahead of the Cardinals’ ACC opener at Pittsburgh, Louisville football will be required to provide an availability report 48 hours before kickoff. But the Cardinals kept things quiet over the bye week, with several minor injuries coming to the forefront just minutes before kickoff.
Head coach Jeff Brohm gave several key updates regarding offensive players who were limited in the 40-17 win over Bowling Green.
- Isaac Brown — the star RB played one possession yesterday, breaking off one run for 18 yards. To the naked eye, it was clear Brown wasn’t moving like he usually does.
- Duke Watson — Did dress against BGSU despite not playing a snap.
- Chris Bell — was “nicked” up, according to Brohm, but played through the injury. Bell finished the game with four catches for 51 yards.
The injuries Brown, Watson, and Bell have been dealing with over the course of the bye week are undisclosed, although none of them seem to be long-term.
“I was concerned going into the game,” said Brohm. “We were a little short in some areas that we didn’t broadcast. So, I didn’t like that. We gotta get those guys healthy. In order for us to win, the running backs need to be out there on the field playing.”
Despite the concern, Louisville is optimistic all three offensive stars will be ready to go for its first road contest this weekend.
“I’m not for sure when we’ll have everybody back. I would like to have them back tomorrow, but hopefully we can get them back for the game. We’ll see how the week goes. I’m very hopeful that happens.”
Louisville will need its top playmakers as Brohm’s team heads into ACC play and beyond. The first month of the season brings on more questions and few answers for the Cardinals despite being 3-0. Louisville has yet to be tested by a power-conference opponent and has yet to bring its transfer quarterback on the road.
Keeping its most explosive pieces healthy will be a priority going forward for the U of L.
“I think we’re capable, on offense, of doing really good things,” Brohm said postgame. “We need all of our weapons healthy; we need all of them to be able to play and contribute. If that’s the case, I think we have enough guys on the team to spread it around and create some problems.”
Pittsburgh and Louisville kick off at noon EST this upcoming Saturday, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
