What is the status of TCU’s injured leading rusher for SMU rivalry game?
TCU could be without leading rusher Kevorian Barnes against rival SMU in the final Battle for the Iron Skillet on Saturday.
The senior UTSA transfer suffered a lower-body injury in the first half of the Horned Frogs’ win over Abilene Christian on Saturday. While TCU initially said it held him out the rest of the game for precautionary reasons, Barnes missed Tuesday’s practice, and the latest update from head coach Sonny Dykes was less optimistic.
“We’ll see kind of how the week goes. We’re just trying to get him feeling better,” Dykes said Tuesday. “We’ll probably have a little bit more of a sense of where he’s going to be on Thursday.”
Barnes made a strong impression during fall camp to win the starting running back job and had a breakout moment on national TV with 113 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, against North Carolina. Barnes had 43 yards on 10 carries against the Wildcats.
Sophomore Jeremy Payne and freshman Nate Palmer are next in line to receive touches if Barnes isn’t able to play. Neither has the size or power of Barnes, but both are explosive options as runners and receivers.
Other TCU injury updates
Sophomore wide receiver Jordyn Bailey and senior cornerback Avery Helm also missed practice Tuesday. Bailey was injured on the opening kickoff against Abilene Christian, while Helm played 20 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. TCU has good depth at both positions and should be able to manage if both are held out.
Junior wide receiver Major Everhart returned to practice Tuesday for the first time in weeks and adds depth at slot receiver and as a returner on special teams
