Multiple Wildcats Suffered Minor Injuries in Eastern Michigan Win

Copy of Copy of four-star-julian-phillips-discusses-recruitment-official-visits (8) — Kentucky Wildcats running back Dante Dowdell (2) runs the ball against Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

When playing an inferior foe, there are two primary objectives: Win handily and do it without any major injuries. Kentucky achieved the first goal in the 48-23 win over Eastern Michigan, but they were not completely unscathed.

Cornerback Terhyon Nichols had his second straight starting assignment after DJ Waller suffered an injury in practice ahead of the Ole Miss contest. On the first play of the game, Nichols forced a turnover. He batted the ball in the air and it was picked off by Daveren Rayner, setting up an easy touchdown for Seth McGowan.

Unfortunately, we did not get to see No. 20 on the field for too many more snaps. Mark Stoops did not specify the exact injury, but it sounds like a minor soft tissue issue that should not keep him out for long.

“He was battling an injury and we just didn’t want to push it. It led to some points, but we need him healthy,” Stoops said after the win. “He was tight, he’s been battling something that we felt like if he went in there and pulled something, then he’s going to be out for weeks and we couldn’t afford that.”

Dante Dowdell experienced a similar issue. The Kentucky running back had eight carries for 29 yards until he took a hard hit in the third quarter. Playing with a lead, Kentucky sat their short-yardage specialist on the sideline for the rest of the game.

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“He should be fine. He got hit a couple times in the same spot, and maybe it was something where he could go back in, but if he got hit again it could lead to something more drastic,” said Stoops.

Zach Calzada was not a healthy scratch. Stoops was pleased that Calzada was willing to dress as an emergency option, but his throwing shoulder did not respond following last Saturday’s injury against Ole Miss.

“He tried to throw each and every day this week after Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (practices), but just wasn’t feeling great. It wasn’t worth it to hurt him worse. But he was great, he wanted to dress and he wanted to be there if we needed him.”

The best news of all? None of these players has to get ready to play next Saturday. Kentucky has a bye week to get healthy before hitting the road to take on South Carolina.

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