Colorado Buffaloes injury report grows ahead of pivotal TCU game

The Colorado Buffaloes have had one of the longest injury reports in the country in their first two games of Big 12 action. They’ve been hampered by injuries on both sides of the football, and the list only got longer leading into Colorado’s Week 6 clash against the TCU Horned Frogs.

On Wednesday’s initial report, the first of four reports that will be released leading up to the game, Colorado had 26 players on the injury report. Fifteen players were listed as out, instantly giving them a 0% chance to play on Saturday, three were doubtful, one was questionable, and eight were probable.

Initial participation report for Colorado at TCU #cubuffs pic.twitter.com/KpMxZ2hCfP

— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) October 2, 2025

The only new names on the “Out” list are tight end Sav’ell Smalls and wide receiver Carson Westbrook. They had barely seen the field this season. Running backs DeKalon Taylor and Simeon Price are still out along with cornerback RJ Johnson, defensive end Samuel Okunlola and defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas.

The three players listed as “Doubtful” are all important, as wide receiver Isaiah Hardge and defensive tackle Tavian Coleman are important depth pieces in their respective rooms, while Anquin Barnes Jr. leads all interior defensive linemen in tackles.

Cornerback Makari Vickers is questionable. He’s had good and bad moments this season as Prime has continued to search for the proper No. 2 corner to put opposite of D.J. McKinney, but his absence, along with the guys who are already listed as out, would pave the way for Teon Parks to start at that position. Prime wasn’t happy with Parks’ performance in the loss to BYU, and said he’s looking for more out of him.

The “Probable” players are mostly guys who see the most action on the team. A handful of them, such as Kaidon Salter, Preston Hodge and Amari McNeill, were all listed as probable throughout last week, so these shouldn’t be an issue come Saturday, but are still worth noting.

It’s only Week 6, but it might already be do-or-die time for the Colorado Buffaloes. They’re 2-3, and haven’t defeated a Power 4 team so far. With TCU, Arizona State and Utah on the horizon, things aren’t getting any easier for Coach Prime’s squad anytime soon, and these injuries aren’t helping.

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