Texas Tech, Kentucky Injury Reports Shape Key Week 3 Matchup

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Texas Tech and Kentucky head into important Week 3 matchups with very different injury situations.

For No. 13 Texas Tech, the biggest concern ahead of Friday night’s Big 12 opener against No. 22 Houston is whether several impact players can return in time.

MORE: Texas Tech vs. Houston: How to Watch Ranked Big 12 Opener

The Red Raiders are 2-0, but a defense that surrendered more than 400 passing yards at Oregon State could use reinforcements against a Houston offense built around quarterback Conner Weigman and receiver Amare Thomas.

Cornerback Amier Boyd is out, while edge rusher Trey White, wide receiver Kenny Johnson and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. have all dealt with injury questions this week.

White is the name that matters most defensively. The San Diego State transfer arrived in Lubbock after posting 19.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss over the previous two seasons, giving Texas Tech the kind of edge presence that can change a passing game.

Veteran safety Brenden Jordan is expected back, which should help stabilize a secondary that was stressed by Oregon State.

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire has made it clear how seriously he views Houston.

“They’re one of the best teams we’ve played in the last couple of years,” McGuire said this week.

That makes every healthy body important, especially against a Houston team averaging 308 rushing yards per gamethrough two contests.

Kentucky, meanwhile, has a cleaner outlook before Saturday’s SEC road game at No. 9 Texas A&M.

Defensive end Lincoln Watkins is out, while defensive tackle Jamarrion Harkless has been among the Wildcats’ biggest injury concerns. Cornerback Grant Grayton has also been ruled out, thinning the secondary against Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed.

There is some good news for Kentucky.

Cornerback Terhyon Nichols is expected to return after missing the Alabama game, while running back C.J. Baxter is expected to play despite dealing with a finger injury. Linebacker Alex Afari is also expected to be available.

Kentucky coach Will Stein said Baxter practiced with the finger taped and continued to work through the issue.

The Wildcats need that offensive stability after a 45-17 loss to Alabama. Texas A&M, meanwhile, has forced five turnovers through two games and has repeatedly used short fields to make life easier for Reed and the offense.

MORE: Texas Tech, Houston Set For Ranked Big 12 Showdown In Lubbock

For Texas Tech, the question is whether enough defensive help returns to slow Houston.

For Kentucky, it’s whether a mostly healthy roster can survive a physical SEC opener in College Station.

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