Injury Report: Colorado vs. Colorado State

Kickoff in Fort Collins is only an hour away, and Colorado will be without some key players for their primetime matchup against the Colorado State Rams.

Running back Dallan Hayden was the sole bright spot for Colorado’s offense last week in their loss to Nebraska, but he’ll be out tonight for the Buffs. Hayden suffered an undisclosed injury against the Huskers, and head coach Deion Sanders confirmed Hayden’s absence during his Tuesday presser. Expect Charlie Offerdahl, Micah Welch, and Isaiah Augustave to fill in.

Free safety Shilo Sanders will also be out after suffering a broken forearm making an open-field tackle last week in Lincoln. Sanders is expected to miss 2-3 weeks of action after undergoing surgery to repair his forearm. Carter Stoutmire will start for Colorado at free safety in his place.

Defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo was considered a game-time decision but was confirmed to be out by Brian Howell of the Boulder Daily Camera before kickoff. Taurean Carter will likely start for the Buffs at DT as his replacement. Thankfully, it seems as though Nwankwo’s injury isn’t considered serious, so there is optimism he will return for next week’s game against Baylor.

Second-string nickel-corner Isaiah Hardge will also sit due to injury against the Rams. Hardge suffered a foot injury while playing on a punt return last week in Lincoln, so he will sit tonight to nurse it.

Starting linebacker Lavonta Bently was questionable ahead of tonight’s game, but he will start for Colorado in Fort Collins. Bently was a big part of CU’s defense holding Nebraska scoreless in the second half last weekend, so his availability tonight is a massive boost for the Buffaloes.