Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson missed Saturday’s 28-17 loss to Arizona State, and it doesn’t sound like the Wildcats have a firm timetable for when their star quarterback will return.
Following the loss in Tempe, Kansas State head coach Collin Klein was asked about Johnson’s status and when he might be able to get back on the field.
“There’s a few more questions than answers right now,” Klein said. “Still trying to handle things, and our medical staff and doctors are doing a great job of working through everything and making sure that we do it right.”
That leaves Johnson’s status very much up in the air as Kansas State turns its attention toward next Saturday’s home game against Colorado.
Johnson surprisingly appeared on Kansas State’s injury report Wednesday as questionable before being downgraded to doubtful Friday and ultimately ruled out ahead of Saturday’s game. The exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed.
The injury appears to stem from Kansas State’s win over Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown. Johnson broke off a 59-yard run in the first quarter before going down awkwardly and leaving the game for one play. He returned on the following possession and finished the game, throwing for 209 yards and a touchdown while adding 132 rushing yards.
Without Johnson against Arizona State, fifth-year senior Jacob Knuth made his first career start and finished 26-of-41 for 194 yards and one touchdown. Kansas State struggled to establish its running game, however, finishing with just 84 rushing yards in the loss.
Klein praised Knuth afterward, but there’s little question that getting Johnson back would provide a major boost for a Kansas State team that has now fallen to 4-3.
For now, though, there appears to be legitimate uncertainty surrounding exactly when that will happen.
Kansas State returns home to face Colorado on Saturday, October 31.
