Heading into Week 4, Louisville’s biggest injury concerns appeared to be on the defensive side with star linebacker Stanquan Clark expected to miss most of the season. However, coming out of the bye week, the Cardinals’ biggest offensive stars were limited in the 40-17 win over Bowling Green.
Pregame, Louisville announced that sophomore running back Isaac Brown and senior wide receiver Chris Bell would be limited, while redshirt sophomore running back Duke Watson would be out. Bell played a significant role for quarterback Miller Moss, catching four passes for 51 yards, but Brown carried the ball just one time in the first quarter, ripping off 18 yards before being sidelined the rest of the day.
Jeff Brohm was unwilling to reveal the nature of the injuries that are nagging his three key offensive playmakers. As for their outlook, the third-year head coach didn’t share much more.
“Well, I’m not for sure when we'll have everybody back," Brohm told reporters. "I would like to have them back tomorrow. Hopefully, we can get them back for the (Pitt) game. We'll see how the week goes. I am very hopeful that happens."
Isaac Brown, Duke Watson, and Chris Bell banged up for the start of ACC play
The Cardinals open conference play next week against Pitt at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Louisville will play Pitt in Week 5 and host Virginia in Week 6 before its final bye week of the regular season.
Brohm could be hoping to buy his backfield tandem some extra time to recover before a Week 7 contest with top-five-ranked Miami, and the production his offense got from Brown and Watson’s replacements on Saturday could embolden the coaching staff.
Redshirt sophomore running back Keyjuan Brown was the workhorse in the backfield against Bowling Green, racking up 84 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries. Freshman Braxton Jennings had an impressive showing as well, chipping in with 43 yards and another score on six attempts.
Through the air, without Bell as the focal point, Moss turned to veteran slot receiver Caullin Lacy, who delivered with 97 yards on eight catches.
Louisville can’t reach its long-term goals without its trio of offensive stars, but it may be able to sneak past Pitt in Week 5. The status of all three players and what Brohm is willing to divulge about their injuries will be interesting to monitor throughout the week.