Louisville didn’t have any problems handling Eastern Kentucky in Week 1. However, that 51-17 win over the Colonels came without junior tight end Nate Kurisky, and now, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Kurisky is doubtful to play on Friday night as the Cardinals host James Madison in Week 2.
Louisville tight end Nate Kurisky remains doubtful entering tonight against James Madison, a source tells @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) September 5, 2025
Suffered an injury in fall camp and missed Week 1. He posted 12 catches for 112 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024. https://t.co/xPhYdPPDpT pic.twitter.com/YQbDfU4FlB
The veteran injured his hand in fall camp, and it has lingered into the season. He was projected to be the team’s starting tight end following the departures of Mark Redman and Jamari Johnson from last year’s roster.
Kurisky caught 12 passes as a sophomore last season for 113 yards and three touchdowns, and the 6-foot-3, Leesburg, Virginia, native was even more productive in the passing game as a freshman in 2023. With Kurisky out for Week 1, redshirt senior Jacob Stewart led all tight ends in offensive snaps, playing 17. Stewart, Jaleel Skinner, and Davon Mitchell all saw playing time in the blowout, and all three caught one pass on one target.
The good news for Louisville is that head coach Jeff Brohm has developed depth in the pass-catching group, particularly among the wide receivers. Behind Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy, Miller Moss’s top two options, the Cardinals have TreyShun Hurry, Antonio Meeks, and Dacari Collins, who are all expected to play meaningful snaps on Friday night. Moss will need to be better, though, after throwing two interceptions in Week 1.
Louisville is a two-touchdown favorite over the Dukes at home, but JMU is considered one of the top contenders for the Sun Belt Conference. A win over Louisville could boost their case to be the Group of Six representative in the College Football Playoff, if they do win the conference. With Brohm’s team at less than 100 percent, JMU could be a frisky underdog.
Nate Kurisky Week 2 injury update:
Louisville’s redshirt junior tight end is reportedly doubtful for Week 2 against James Madison at L&N Stadium. Kurisky was expected to be out, but now has a glimmer of hope that he can play as he attempts to return from a hand injury suffered in fall camp.
The Cardinals will be without left tackle Trevonte Sylvester, who also missed Week 1 against Eastern Kentucky. Cornerback Rodney Johnson Jr., who left last week's game with an ankle injury, is expected to return, according to Brohm's comments in his early-week press conference.
Louisville and James Madison will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET.