Tigers continue to monitor injuries
Tigers coach Mike Norvell knew Saturday’s game with South Alabama would be a physical one, and it took a toll on his team.
Norvell said that four defensive linemen left the the 52-35 victory at some point with injuries, including usual starters Emmanuel Cooper and O’Bryan Goodson. Linebacker Jackson Dillon also left in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return.
Norvell added Monday that nobody has been ruled out yet for Friday’s game at Tulane and although Dillon was not at practice, he was still being evaluated as of that morning.
“We’ll see where he’s at as the week progresses,” Norvell said. “Any time any player goes down in a game, whether it’s a significant injury or one they bounce back from, it’s all about keeping that edge about you and understand things are going to be good.”
Cooper was at practice Monday but Goodson did not practice. Cornerback Tito Windham and safety Josh Perry also did not practice and neither did safety La’Andre Thomas, who missed Saturday’s game with an injury.
It’s not the ideal situation heading into AAC play but, unlike last year when the Tigers were forced to play younger players due to injury, Memphis has the depth to overcome potential losses.
Junior Keith Brigham made his first start Saturday at defensive tackle in Cooper’s place and he is listed as a tristarter on this week’s depth chart along with Cooper and Khalil Johnson.
Bryce Huff, the Tigers’ leader in sacks, was listed on the depth chart as a co-starter in the KAT linebacker slot along with Dillon.
“When one guy goes down, somebody else has to rise up and I know our guys are going to be excited to do that if we don’t have those guys back this week,” Norvell said Saturday.
WR Sam Craft not on depth chart
Sam Craft is no longer listed on the Memphis depth chart at wide receiver. The senior had been listed as a starter for the previous four games but has yet to play and did not dress for South Alabama.
Kedarian Jones and Mechane Slade were both listed in Craft’s place. Jones started against Georgia State and has caught two passes this season, including a touchdown. Slade has six catches for 64 yards and a touchdown.
TE Sean Dykes returns
Memphis welcomed back tight end Sean Dykes who participated in full drills on Monday after sitting out Saturday due to a violation of team rules. Joey Magnifico started in his place and caught two passes for 52 yards, including a 35-yard catch.
“Sean had a great mindset and had a really nice practice today so it’s good to have him back,” Norvell said.
Memphis-UConn kickoff time, TV schedule announced
Memphis’ home game with UConn with October 6 is set for 6 p.m. and will be shown on CBS Sports Network.
The game will be exactly one year to the day from last year’s meeting at UConn where Memphis won 70-31.