October 1, 2024 |
Photo – Wyoming Cowboys logo – Courtesy Wikipedia
The list of injuries for the Wyoming Cowboy begins with quarterback Evan Svoboda’s broken nose. He’s smiling despite the pain.
There are other Wyoming players wearing casts and walking boots yesterday, as the off week begins. The time couldn’t have come at a better time. September, the opening month of play, was brutal on the Cowboys. The soothing balm of the season’s first win finally came Saturday night with the 31-19 home win over Air Force.
Head coach Jay Sawvel thanked his injury-riddled squad for their gutsy second half performance against Air Force. The Cowboys fought back from six-point deficit at the half, outscoring the Falcons 24-6 down the stretch.
The injury list is extensive.
On the offensive line, starting right guard Jack Walsh and starting left guard Wes King remain out. Both are expected to miss UW’s next game against San Diego State on Oct. 12.
Starting center Nofoafia Tulafono, who was shaken up in the fourth quarter, will practice this week.
The offensive unit previously lost starting left tackle Nate Geiger to a season-ending knee injury at Arizona State. Jake Davies, also a redshirt freshman, has started the last five games. Rex Johnsen started against the Falcons for Walsh and Alex Conn filled in for King, who was carted off with a knee injury that is not season ending.
UW’s secondary is also adjusting after a cluster of injuries to safeties Wyett Ekeler (two broken thumbs), Isaac White (foot) and Andrew Johnson (broken thumb). Ekeler is questionable, White is doubtful and Johnson probable for the Aztecs.
Starting nickel back Wrook Brown will get more work at safety and cornerback Caleb Merritt will practice at nickel this week. Sawvel also noted it will be important for young cornerbacks Ian Bell and Keany Parks to continue improving before facing SDSU’s spread offense.
Punt returner/wide receiver Caleb Cooley is nursing a bad ankle, fullback Caleb Driskill (thumb) and defensive end DeVonne Harris (arm) are on the mend but questionable for SDSU.
The target date for Harrison Waylee’s return from a knee injury is the Oct. 26 home game against Utah State. The starting running back plans to play in four games, maintain his redshirt and return to UW in 2025. Dawaiian McNeely is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury but also plans to return healthy next fall.
Svoboda, despite having his nose broken during the game, completed 71.4% of his passes for 165 yards and rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns against Air Force.
The Wyoming players are on the mend, but Saturday night’s big win in the conference opener is the perfect balm for all that ailed the Cowboys through the month of September.
