Injury Update: Many CU Buffs healthier than expected

BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes are set to get a big boost this week, as several key playmakers return healthy for the start of Fall Camp. Derek McCartney, Gerrad Kough, Isaac Miller, Donovan Lee, Juwann Winfree and Kyle Evans all missed part or all of spring football with injuries, but all will report to the field for practice this fall, some sooner than others.

McCartney, the outside linebacker, tore his ACL during Colorado’s third game of the season in 2016, cutting short a promising junior campaign. He had started 10 games as a sophomore (70 total tackles, two passes defended and a forced fumble), and started two games last season before his injury (including a scoop and score against Michigan). McCartney was set to be a big part of the dominant Buffs defense last year, and his healthy return will be monumental to Colorado’s push for a conference title this fall.

Offensive linemen Miller and Kough will also be important returns to the roster, shoring up a line that will protect new starting quarterback Steven Montez and pave the way for top rusher Phil Lindsay. In 2016, Kough was sidelined with an ankle injury for the last few games of the year. He is now entering his third season as a starter for the Buffs and has been a solid player at the left guard position opposite Tim Lynott, Jr.

Miller could emerge as a strong candidate for the left tackle role, which has been held in recent years by veteran Jeromy Irwin. If Irwin were to take snaps at guard, Miller could be the one lining up opposite the projected starter at right tackle, Aaron Haigler. Either way, the versatility and depth that Miller and Kough return to the line will be a huge boost to the Buffs offense.

Running backs Lee and Evans will bring an additional spark to Colorado’s offensive attack as well, though Lee will be back earlier (for the start of camp), while Evans is still recovering from surgery (he is expected back towards the middle of fall camp). Evans dislocated his hip during spring practice, while Lee fractured a fibula around the same time. Both are capable of backing up star rusher Lindsay, but Evans was the more productive back last season, racking up 346 yards and three touchdowns on the year (Lee had 97 yards). They will also be competing for snaps with sophomore Beau Bisharat and true freshman Alex Fontenot, who round out a diverse arsenal of rushing talent.

Last season, projected breakout wide receiver Juwann Winfree was robbed of his first year with the Buffs after being sidelined with an ACL tear that he suffered during fall camp. This August will be Winfree’s first real shot at the starting roster, and he has the potential to earn significant snaps, maybe even a starting job if he really impresses. He’s currently behind veterans Shay Fields, Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo and Jay MacIntyre on the depth chart, and will vie for playing time with the likes of Kabion Ento, Johnny Huntley, Lee Walker, KD Nixon and others. The Buffs are almost unfairly stacked at wide receiver, but Winfree is talented enough to be a big contributor when fully healthy.

CU returned some heavy hitters to their lineup for the start of fall camp, with a handful of starters finally returning from injury. As the Buffs looks to make another postseason push, the depth that they have regained on their roster will be invaluable to their future success.