Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards will miss this weekend’s game against North Dakota and is considered doubtful for the Wildcats’ Week 3 matchup with Army. Edwards suffered a left ankle injury early in Kansas State’s season-opening loss to Iowa State in Dublin, leaving the game during the first quarter after fielding a punt.
X-rays reportedly came back negative, but head coach Chris Klieman told reporters Monday that treatment had just begun and the team wouldn’t know more until midweek. Now, multiple reports, including ESPN and On3, confirm that Edwards will not suit up against North Dakota and is unlikely to return in time for the next game.
The absence of Edwards, a key contributor and explosive threat, is a significant early blow to Kansas State’s backfield. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound junior was expected to be the Wildcats’ lead runner after the departure of DJ Giddens, bringing speed and versatility to the offense. In his place, Joe Jackson led the team in rushing against Iowa State with 51 yards, while Klieman acknowledged the need for more production and depth in the running back room moving forward.
For Kansas State, the timing couldn’t be worse. Following a disappointing 24-21 loss in the opener, the Wildcats are looking to get right against an FCS opponent before facing a disciplined, ball-control Army team in Week 3. If Edwards is unavailable again, Kansas State will need to lean on Jackson and others to establish tempo and maintain balance offensively.
In the broader Big 12 picture, the early-season injury threatens to stunt offensive development for a team looking to reassert itself among the conference contenders. Kansas State’s ability to navigate this stretch without one of its most dynamic weapons could go a long way in determining its trajectory this fall.
