Colorado battling injury bug against Kansas State

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis scrambles with the football against the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston, Illinois (photo by Jacob Hock/Sko Buffs Sports).

As the Colorado Buffaloes (2-5, 0-4 Big 12) prepare to face off against the Kansas State Wildcats (4-3, 1-3) on Halloween, the Buffs injury report is still quite large. Colorado has struggled with several star players suffering injuries during and before the season. 

One player listed as out for the Buffaloes is star wide receiver Danny Scudero, who was injured during the offseason. Despite making appearances in Colorado's first two matchups against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Weber State Wildcats, he’s remained sidelined. Colorado has been able to fill the gap left by Scudero with Joseph Williams and DeAndre Moore Jr., who have stepped up with  643 and 418yards, respectively, this season. 

Colorado was also hit with another offensive injury against the then-No. 11 Utah Utes, as running back Micah Welch was sidelined with a hand injury. Welch has spent his entire college career as a Buff, joining the team in 2024. He started off the season in tremendous fashion against Weber State, recording 106 yards and becoming the first rusher to have 100+ yards under Deion Sanders at Colorado. Welch's production slowed after that, as over the next four games he only recorded 114 yards. Still, his absence is a definite blow to the Colorado offense. 

On the defensive side, the injuries are not as severe. Defensive back Braylon Edwards hasn’t played this season and suffered an injury in Week 5. He’s missed each game with that injury since. Additionally, Colorado defensive end Sam Gadie suffered an injury during fall camp and has not played a snap this season. 

Most recently, it was announced on Wednesday that backup quarterback Julian “Juju” Lewis suffered an “undisclosed medical emergency” in the team facility that led to his hospitalization, per a family statement.  Lewis is listed as out for Saturday’s matchup. 

 “He is recovering and thankful to his medical team, teammates, and Colorado fans for their prayer and support,” the statement read.

Injuries have plagued this Colorado team, and they’ve been a major contributor to its struggles this season. Now, with a skeleton crew, it looks to recover in its matchup against Kansas State this weekend.