Kansas State will be without tight end Brayden Loftin for the next few games due to a lower body injury. Loftin, a sophomore from Omaha, is expected to miss “a few weeks” as the Wildcats, ranked No. 25, look to bounce back from a 38-9 loss to BYU. Head coach Chris Klieman provided an update during his weekly news conference, stating that while Loftin’s injury isn’t season-ending, he will be sidelined for a period. “Loftin will be out for a few weeks with a lower body injury,” Klieman said. “It’s not season-ending, which is positive, but Brayden won’t be playing for a few weeks.”
Loftin’s injury occurred early in the BYU game, where he caught one pass for seven yards during the Wildcats’ opening drive. Unfortunately, he limped off the field immediately after and was seen entering the team’s injury tent. He later emerged to watch the first half from the sidelines. By the end of the game, Loftin was out of uniform and walking with a leg brace, confirming the severity of the injury.
Loftin’s absence could have a significant impact on Kansas State’s offense, as he has been a reliable target this season. He has caught seven passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns, becoming an important red zone option for sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson. Johnson, known for favoring his tight ends in scoring situations, will have to adjust his strategy in the coming weeks without Loftin.
The Wildcats will now rely on their depth at the tight end position to fill the gap left by Loftin’s injury. The team has other players who can step up, but losing a key contributor like Loftin could affect their offensive rhythm, especially in critical situations near the end zone.
Kansas State’s upcoming games will test their ability to adapt without one of their top tight ends. While the team is hopeful that Loftin will return before the season ends, his recovery will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as they aim to stay competitive in the Big 12 conference.
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