Injuries remain a concern for UCF as running back Taevion Swint has been ruled out for Saturday’s homecoming clash with No. 2 BYU, according to the Big 12 player availability report released Wednesday night.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound redshirt freshman has been a key part of the Knights’ ground game, rushing for 162 yards on 32 carries and scoring two touchdowns. He’s also been key on special teams, averaging 29.9 yards per kickoff return this season.
While Duke Watson has started every game at running back, Swint and Landen Chambers have shared the majority of the workload as Watson’s backups.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who has missed the past four games while recovering from a hamstring injury, has been upgraded from out to questionable on this week’s report. ESPN previously reported that the senior wouldn’t start this week’s game against the Cougars, but coach Scott Frost didn’t want to set a timeline for his starting quarterback’s return.
Receiver Duane Thomas Jr. has also been upgraded from out to questionable with an undisclosed injury that has kept him off the field for the first half of the season.
Center Jacob Maiava is questionable for this week’s game after missing the game against Oklahoma State two weeks ago. He was carted off the sidelines during the first half of the Houston game and didn’t return.
Linebacker Lewis Carter has also been ruled out for this weekend’s game as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury. Carter has missed three games this season and has been replaced in the lineup by Jayden Jennings and Jahleel Culbreath.
The Knights could also be without cornerback DJ Bell, who suffered an injury in practice this week, according to a source. Bell, who was listed as doubtful, has appeared in all six games this season, recording 10 tackles.
Guard Owen Spell, who has already missed three games, will miss another game as he deals with plantar fasciitis.
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