Will Indiana football WR Donaven McCulley be available against Western Illinois?

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti considers receiver Donaven McCulley “day-to-day” with the injury he suffered in a 31-7 win over FIU.

McCulley was shaken up early in the second quarter when he was hit around the neck on a 9-yard catch for a first down. Cignetti told reporters after the game that he wasn’t “medically cleared” to return to the game after that. He didn’t disclose any specific details about the injury in either press conference.

“I think we’ll have him back soon,” Cignetti said.

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While McCulley didn’t start, the plan was to heavily rotate the receivers to limit most of the room to 40-45 snaps. He ended up playing nine snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

In 2023, McCulley led the team in receptions (48), receiving yards (644) and touchdowns (six).

“We got him in there, and he was playing fast, doing a nice job, and took a hit and was ruled out,” Cignetti said, of McCulley. “He’ll be anxious to get back, and I’ll be anxious to get him back.”

Eljiah Sarratt played much of the game with McCulley sidelined (62 snaps), but no other receivers played more than 50 snaps. Omar Cooper Jr. played 47 snaps, Myles Price had 37 snaps, Miles Cross had 24 snaps, Ke’Shawn Williams had 18 snaps and Andison Coby played seven snaps.

Williams was the only one that didn’t have at least one target.

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The other bit of injury news Cignetti shared is that running back Kaelon Black was limited to just one carry in the opener because of a hamstring injury that tightened up early in the game. Black was expected to share carries with Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton this season.

They each had double-digit rushing attempts as Indiana…


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Author : The Herald-Times

Publish date : 2024-09-02 21:06:26

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