Colorado Buffs Face Northwestern With Injuries Lurking

The Buffaloes rode a high‑scoring wave to a 52‑21 victory over Weber State last Saturday, but the celebrations were tempered by a growing injury list that now shadows Coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders’ squad.

Week three pits Colorado against the Northwestern Wildcats in Chicago, the final non‑conference test before the Buffaloes dive into Big 12 play. While the official conference injury reports won’t roll out until the season proper, the Buffs already have a handful of players listed as doubtful or outright out.

According to 247Sports’ Jack Carlough, ten Buffs suited up in street clothes for the Weber State game. Wideouts Kaleb Mathis and Hykeem Williams missed action, as did defensive linemen Vili Taufatofua, Yamil Talib and Sam Gadie. The early exits hint at a deeper problem: both the offensive and defensive trenches are being thinned.

On the offensive side, the line is feeling the strain. Demetrius Hunter, Jose Soto and Taj White were sidelined with undisclosed injuries in week two, leaving the starting five – Bo Hughley, Chauncey Gooden, Sean Kinney, Jayvon McFadden and Leon Bell – to hold the fort. Backup options like Lary Johnson III and Yahya Attia are on the roster, but they haven’t earned a start yet, and freshman Xavier Payne’s snaps are still limited.

Coach Sanders also confirmed that senior wide receiver Danny Scudero won’t suit up against Northwestern after a foot injury in fall camp. Scudero has caught just five passes for 24 yards in the first two games, so his absence won’t dramatically alter the passing attack, but it does sap some depth at the position.

By contrast, fellow receiver Kam Perry appears to be on the mend after an elbow sprain. Sanders was quick to point out that Perry is “good” and ready to contribute, though he still needs to “lock in” on the offense’s tempo.

The defensive line, anchored by Lamont Lester Jr. and Toby Anene, has also seen rotation changes. Veterans Santana Hopper, Dylan Manuel, Samu Taumanupepe and Immanuel Ezeogu have been key pieces, but the loss of Taufatofua, Talib and Gadie raises concerns about wear and tear as the season grinds on.

Depth is the recurring theme in Coach Prime’s press conferences these days. While the Buffs have a few understudies who could step in, most are untested at the college level. That lack of proven talent could become a liability if the injury bug bites again.

Kickoff for the Northwestern game is slated for 5:30 p.m. MT on September 19. Fans will be watching not only for the final score but also for which injured players make it onto the sideline, and how the Buffs’ depth chart reshapes itself under pressure.

For now, Colorado’s odds hinge on staying healthy enough to keep the offensive rhythm rolling and trusting the defensive rotation to hold the line. The next week could be the true test of Coach Prime’s ability to adapt when the roster gets thin.