Injuries piled up in the game between the 18th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats and the Colorado Buffaloes, as quarterback Avery Johnson left the game in the third quarter and was listed questionable to return. The injury could be a massive blow to a team on the brink of making the College Football Playoff.
Early in the third quarter, Johnson completed a 33-yard pass to wide receiver Jayce Brown but was hurt on the play.
The injury appeared to be non-contact and looked eerily similar to the abdominal/oblique injury Texas Longhorns quarterback suffered a few weeks ago against the UL Monroe Warhawks.
Immediately after releasing the pass, Johnson grabbed his right abdomen, appearing to be in pain on the turf. He remained down for a minute and before exiting the game and heading back to the locker room. Ta'Quan Roberson replaced him on the field.
However, it appears that the injury is not too serious, as the quarterback returned to the field for a fourth-down play at the two-yard line.
What does an Avery Johnson injury mean for the Kansas State Wildcats?
If the Avery Johnson injury winds up to be something more serious or gets reaggravated, it could be a massive blow for the Kansas State Wildcats. He has shown to be a good quarterback with nine passing touchdowns to four interceptions entering their Week 7 game.
Having a long-term injury to Avery Johnson could significantly affect the productiveness of Kansas State's running game, which was eighth-best entering Saturday's game with 252.2 rushing yards per contest. If Ta'Quan Roberson has to take over as the center, it would significantly alter expectations for the program's offensive performance.
While it looks like the Johnson injury will not have a long-term impact, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback plays going forward.
Who's NEXT on the HOT SEAT? Check out the 7 teams that desperately need a coaching change