Chip Trayanum injury update: Latest news on Kentucky RB’s availability ahead of Week 5 matchup

Kentucky running back Chip Trayanum has yet to play this season with a broken thumb. Trayanum was a key addition to the Wildcats roster from the transfer portal after leaving Ohio State.

Ahead of Kentucky's road game against Ole Miss on Saturday, Wildcats coach Mark Stoops revealed Trayanum has been cleared to play. However, he's uncertain if the running back will suit up in Week 5 as he works his way back from the injury.

“We’ll see. We weren’t in pads today, but he’s cleared to go,” Stoops said on his radio show on Monday. “We’ll see what type of strength he has in that hand. It was operated on, so we’ll see how he comes along and what he’s like here throughout the week. But he’s cleared.”

Trayanum, a former four-star recruit, was projected to be the Wildcats starting running back. Yet, due to the injury, he has yet to play.

If Trayanum can suit up on Saturday, it would be a big boost to Kentucky's lineup as it ranks No. 115 in total offense and is No. 105 in scoring. In Trayanum's absence, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye has been Kentucky's starting running back. He's rushed for 274 yards and three touchdowns.

Chip Trayanum began his college career at Arizona State and was there for two seasons before transferring to Ohio State for two years. Last season, he rushed for 373 yards and three touchdowns.

Kentucky's Mark Stoops eager for Ole Miss challenge

The Kentucky Wildcats are 2-2 this season and coming off a 41-6 blowout win at home over Ohio in Week 4.

Entering their Week 5 road game against Ole Miss, Stoops said the Rebels offense poses a challenge for his team.

"Going down and playing Ole Miss, a very good football team, which I think everybody knows," Stoops said. "Second opportunity to play two top-fives and they deserve it. Lane has done a remarkable job with this team.

"Everyone talks about the offense, and the tempo, and the explosive plays, which is well deserved being the number one offense in the country – 670 yards per game, 422 passing, 248 rushing. So really amazing, eye-popping statistics. They really do a great job with Lane and Charlie Wies Jr., their whole offensive staff is remarkable, they’re a very good football team offensively."

The Wildcats are a 17.5-point underdog against Ole Miss on Saturday.