The Colorado Buffaloes will be without running back Micah Welch against Oklahoma State on Saturday, and his availability beyond this week remains uncertain.
Welch is listed out on Colorado’s initial injury report after appearing to hurt his hand against Utah. He finished that game with one carry for two yards, bringing his season totals to 45 attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday that Welch missed practice, and the injury's extent is still unclear.
Sanders offers limited update on RB Micah Welch
“He's hurting. He didn't practice today. I have no idea [if it’s long-term],” Sanders said. “He's hurting right now. I think he may have broken it. I don't know if he broke it.”
Sanders’ comments left a fracture possible, though he did not confirm one. Colorado has not announced a recovery timetable, which leaves Welch’s status for the remainder of the season unresolved.
Welch entered the Utah game as Colorado’s leading rusher, making his absence a significant change for the backfield.
Colorado has 7 players listed as out. New ones from last week: RB Micah Welch and OL Jayven Richardson, who were both injured vs. Utah. #cubuffspic.twitter.com/LFqwzIPL3c
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) October 22, 2026
JaQuail Smith positioned for more work
JaQuail Smith handled 13 carries for 73 yards against Utah and added a 68-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass. That performance puts the Sacramento State transfer in position for an expanded role against Oklahoma State.
Damian Henderson II provides another option as Colorado adjusts its rotation. The fellow Sacramento State transfer has seen his opportunities decrease amid ball-security concerns, though Welch’s absence could create additional carries.
How Colorado divides those opportunities will become a key personnel question heading into Saturday, particularly with no clear return date for Welch.
Follow James Carnes on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Micah Welch injury update for Colorado's matchup vs. Oklahoma State