Kansas University’s football team continues to take hits during the wild weeks of August preseason practices.
Sources have confirmed that preseason All-Big 12 cornerback Aqib Talib could face a one- or two-game suspension for disciplinary reasons. The exact reason for the suspension was unknown, but it’s expected to keep him out of Saturday’s game against Northwestern State.
Also confirmed Sunday was an injury to defensive end Rodney Allen that likely will sideline the senior for Saturday’s game, as well. Allen suffered a knee injury during a practice last week, though it’s not thought to be serious.
Allen and Talib’s setbacks puts them on a crowded list of players sent to the sidelines in the last three weeks, particularly on defense. KU coach Mark Mangino already has confirmed injuries to linebacker James Holt and safeties Jerome Kemp and Darrell Stuckey. Kemp, with a leg injury, could return for Saturday’s game, but Holt (foot) and Stuckey (ankle) are out indefinitely and won’t play against the Demons.
Also injured is backup running back Angus Quigley, who is lost for the season after suffering an “unusual” setback during a mid-August practice, reportedly a thigh injury. Quigley was listed as the second-string running back behind Jon Cornish after spring drills, but those duties likely go to true freshman Jake Sharp after the Salina native had an impressive preseason.
Allen and Talib are thought to be two of the top players on KU’s revamped defense, which loses eight starters from 2005. Talib is one of three returning starters (along with Kemp and James McClinton) while Allen logged significant action as a backup defensive end and third-down bandit specialist last season. Talib recorded 54 tackles and two interceptions, while Allen had 18 tackles, seven for a loss.