INJURY REPORT: Hard to Tell When Seth McGowan Will Return

Kentucky RB Seth McGowan, via Crawford Ifland, KSR

Seth McGowan has been the most consistent weapon for the Kentucky offense this season. The Wildcats had to play without him against Tennessee.

“I didn’t really think that was the case,” offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan admitted after the game, “and didn’t really find that out until any of the players took the field.”

Fortunately, the Kentucky offense played well despite his absence. Redshirt freshman Jason Patterson took a lion’s share of the reps, rushing for 51 yards on 16 carries and catching a team-high 7 passes for 44 yards. Even so, this team is a better one when No. 3 is on the field.

Will we see him back for the Auburn game? It’s hard to say.

McGowan was taken to the hospital during the Texas game. After doctors took a second look, he returned to the action and even caught a pass on the final two-minute drive that forced overtime. The coaches believed he would be able to play against the Vols, but he was still on the availability report and considered a game-time decision at kickoff. Mark Stoops said on Monday that it may be a similar situation this Saturday at Auburn.

“It has to do with whether he is physically strong enough to hold the ball in certain locations,” said Stoops.

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Ball security is job security. Turnovers gave Tennessee 14 points last Saturday. They can’t risk it if McGowan is unable to hold onto the football.

More Kentucky Injury News

Like McGowan, Steven Soles was a surprising late scratch for the Wildcats. The Kentucky head coach was unwilling to share any details after the loss, but it didn’t sound good. Fortunately, that was not the case for the talented pass rusher.

“All indications are that he’ll be back at full strength this week,” said Stoops.

Cornerback Terhyon Nichols only played two-thirds of the snaps against Tennessee before he left the game with an undisclosed injury. Mark Stoops did not elaborate or provide further details, but it didn’t sound like he’ll be back in a hurry. If he is in fact out, that would be another huge loss for the beleaguered secondary.

Tight end Willie Rodriguez and wide receiver Hardley Gilmore also exited the game with injuries. Stoops gave it a “we’ll see,” but said he anticipates both will be back to practice at some point this week.