Chauncey Gooden injury update: Deion Sanders pressed for latest on Colorado OL
Coming into the season, head coach Deion Sanders was confident that he had the best team he’s had in his three years with the Colorado Buffaloes. A large part of that comes down to what should be an improved offensive line. A key piece of that offensive line is going to be freshman Chauncey Gooden.
Despite that, Gooden wasn’t able to dress for the season opener against Georgia Tech. The implication is that he suffered an injury before the game that kept him off the field. However, after the game, Deion Sanders didn’t have much insight into the issue that Gooden is dealing with right now.
“I have no idea right now,” Deion Sanders said. “I don’t know.”
Gooden was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025. He was the 381st-ranked recruit overall and the 29th-ranked interior offensive lineman in that recruiting class. A Nashville, Tennessee native, he chose Colorado ahead of Tennessee and Clemson among other schools. Quickly, he made a name for himself within the program and was expected to make a big impact on the team this season.
This comes after the offensive line has been a major issue in the first couple of seasons for Sanders at Colorado. In those first two seasons, the Buffaloes gave up 99 sacks in 15 total games played. Their 43 sacks allowed in 2024 were the best of the two seasons, and it amounted to a tie for 126th in the country in sacks allowed.
The 2025 season is young. Most teams have only played one game. However, in that one game, Sanders saw his Colorado team hold up on the offensive line and not allow a sack. They also rushed for 146 yards after averaging 168.15 yards per game on the ground last season.
Along with Gooden, offensive lineman Phillip Houston and running back Dallan Hayden weren’t dressed. On top of that, wide receiver Omarion Miller tweaked his hamstring during the game. All of that has amounted to several major blows to the offense early in the season.
“I think we only sustained one injury tonight,” Sanders said. “I think it was a pulled hamstring, something like he tweaked the hamstring.”
Next week, the Colorado Buffaloes should have a manageable game to add their first win of the season. The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, in their first FBS season, are making the trip to Boulder. After that, Sanders will turn his attention to Big 12 play. There, an interesting road trip to take on the Houston Cougars awaits him.
