Injury Report: Jaleel Johnson, Tate Romney Doubtful for Cowboys’ Trip to Kansas State

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The Cowboys’ defense struggled in Ames last week, and it could be down two more starters in Manhattan.

The initial player availability report for Oklahoma State’s game against Kansas State came out Wednesday night, listing Jaleel Johnson and Tate Romney as doubtful. Both guys left OSU’s loss to Iowa State with injuries.

Defensive tackle Landon Dean was also listed as doubtful, while tight end Carson Kolb was listed as out and safety Quinton Hammonds was listed as probable.

Even with leaving the Iowa State game early, Johnson ranks third among Cowboy defensive linemen in snaps played this season. He has made 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. The Cowboys rotate heavily along the defensive front, but Johnson is one of the group’s staples, having started seven games.

Romney has played the fourth-most snaps of any Cowboy defender. He ranks second on the team in tackles with 63, while his seven tackles for loss area a team-high. If Romney can’t go, expect a heavier dose of UCLA transfer Isaiah Chisom, who has 42 tackles this season.

Kolb and Hammonds were each hurt in the Cowboys’ win against Colorado. Hammonds was able to play at Iowa State, while Kolb didn’t.

“I think it will probably be a week or two more,” said OSU coach Eric Morris on Kolb’s timeline. “Doesn’t look great right now. But really happy, I thought Oscar (Hammond) played well in the game, Donovan (Green) came in and did some nice stuff for us. Morgan McPhaul has played all season long. So, kinda got a little stable of guys there we’re confident in.”

The initial report also confirmed Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson will miss this game. K-State coach Collin Klein named Blake Barnett the starter.