Colorado State football player Jack Howell not expected to play vs rival Wyoming due to injury
It's a mixed bag of injury updates for the Colorado State football team ahead of Friday's rivalry game against Wyoming.
CSU coach Jay Norvell said Tuesday star safety Jack Howell will miss his second consecutive game.
"He's getting better. Hopefully we'll get him back next week," Norvell said.
Howell was injured late in the New Mexico game three weeks ago and missed CSU's win over Nevada as he spent time in a walking boot due to the injury. Howell is third on the team with 57 tackles and has four pass breakups and a forced fumble.
The Rams host Wyoming at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 (CBS Sports Network).
Nickel Ayden Hector slid to safety to start in Howell's place against Nevada and had eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Redshirt freshman Jett Vincent also saw time at safety and will likely play some as well.
Jacob Gardner, Paddy Turner progressing
The news was a bit better on Jacob Gardner and Paddy Turner.
Gardner, CSU's starting center, went down last game against Nevada with an unspecified lower body injury. He has a chance to play against Wyoming.
"We'll see. He's better. He's not quite 100% yet, but he's a pretty tough guy and we'll just see how he feels come Friday," Norvell said.
Gardner is one of the most experienced linemen in football with 54 career starts. He's been graded by Pro Football Focus as one of the top centers in the country.
Trevyn Heil stepped in for Gardner against Nevada and was awarded a game ball for his performance. He would start if Gardner can't play.
Turner, CSU's punter, hasn't punted the last two games as he's dealt with a quad injury. Turner has been in uniform but served as the holder each game.
"Paddy's got a chance to play. He's got that quad muscle that's been nagging him, but hopefully he'll be OK to get some kicks in," Norvell said.
Bryan Hansen has punted in his absence and is averaging 40 yards per kick with four placed inside the 20.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: CSU football player Jack Howell out vs Wyoming
