Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter left the Buffaloes' game against No. 18 Kansas State late in the second quarter due to a right shoulder injury sustained on a 14-yard reception. The game saw a total of four Buffaloes receivers getting injured, including speedster Jimmy Horn Jr. (ankle), Omarion Miller (ankle), and Terrell Timmons Jr. (unspecified).
Coach Deion Sanders provided limited updates after the game, mentioning that Miller was in a walking boot and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the players' health over the game. The absence of these key players had a significant impact on the team's performance in the closely contested match.
Despite the injuries, quarterback Shedeur Sanders delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 388 yards and three touchdowns on 34-of-40 passing attempts. The Buffaloes, with a record of 4-2 in the Big 12, felt the absence of Hunter more on the defensive end as they struggled early in the game without their standout defensive back.
Before his injury, Hunter was maintaining his usual high workload, being on the field for nearly every snap. His departure from the game came after a collision with a Kansas State defender, prompting the medical team to evaluate his right shoulder.
Notably, Hunter, a Heisman Trophy contender, had been a key contributor on both offense and defense throughout the season, showcasing his versatility and impact on the team's performance.
Despite the setbacks, the Buffaloes showed resilience, rallying to take the lead in the fourth quarter before ultimately falling short to Kansas State. The team now looks ahead to the next game, aiming to regroup and overcome the challenges posed by the recent injuries.
As the season progresses, Colorado will need to adapt to the absence of key players and rely on the depth of their roster to maintain competitiveness in the Big 12 conference.
