TCU football stars Duggan, Evans are ‘questionable’ for Oklahoma game
TCU football could be without two of its top players when it takes on No. 4 Oklahoma on Saturday in Norman.
Coach Gary Patterson revealed that quarterback Max Duggan and running back Zach Evans are among several players “questionable” for the game. Patterson refused to detail the specifics of the injuries, but neither player finished the Texas Tech game last week.
Backup quarterback Matthew Downing took snaps on the final offensive possession, while Evans sat out the second half with a foot injury.
In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Patterson said: “I’d probably say both Zach and Max are both questionable whether they‘ll play. We’ll see. It’s only Tuesday.”
Patterson shut down a follow-up question on the status of Duggan and Evans, saying: “That’s all I’m telling you unless you want to shut off these cameras and do all of it. ... No, I’m not going to tell you anyways.”
Duggan has started every game this season, including last week’s victory at Texas Tech. Downing entered for the final offensive series for TCU when it had taken a 52-31 lead with three minutes left.
Asked about Downing, Patterson said he has looked “fine” in practice.
“Somebody is going to have to play quarterback. I’m not playing quarterback,” Patterson said. “And I’m not saying Max is not going to play. I’m just telling you that … get ready to go.”
Duggan had a career-low 10 pass attempts in the Tech game. For the season, he’s 75 of 116 passing for 1,003 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Downing has played in two games this season. Along with his limited snaps at Tech, he had more extended action in the opener against Duquesne. Downing was 3 of 4 passing for 26 yards in Week 1.
Evans, meanwhile, has emerged as the Frogs’ best playmaker but didn’t play in the second half at Tech. Patterson mentioned a foot injury Evans sustained during the game, although said Evans could have returned in the second half if the game was closer. Patterson pointed to the artificial turf and hard surface in Lubbock as reasons to keep Evans out.
Evans has topped the 100-yard rushing mark in each of the last four games, the first Frogs running back to accomplish that feat since 2002. On the season, Evans has 586 yards rushing and five touchdowns, along with one receiving.
In other injury news, Patterson said safety Nook Bradford is expected to return for the Oklahoma game. Offensive linemen Wes Harris and John Lanz, and wide receiver Quentin Johnston are getting “closer,” Patterson said.
Cornerback Noah Daniels is “probable” to play at Oklahoma. Daniels, one of the team’s top NFL draft prospects, has been limited to one game so far this season.
Linebacker Wyatt Harris, safety Bud Clark and defensive tackle Corey Bethley are all questionable.
With the team battling through a number of injury issues, Patterson opted not to practice on Sunday. The Frogs were expected to have full practices Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We’re beat up,” Patterson said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do come Saturday.”
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Norman.
This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 12:45 PM.
