Kansas State’s starting tight end, Garrett Oakley, looks set to miss his second straight game, and man, this viral illness is hitting the Wildcats hard. Coach Collin Klein just said Oakley is “probably unlikely” to play in their upcoming October 24 game against Arizona State.
The Tight End Depth Chart Is Looking Rough
This isn’t just a minor sideline issue for K-State. Oakley already sat out their 35-24 win over Kansas because of this illness. His continued absence is forcing Coach Klein and his staff to get seriously “creative with personnel groupings.” And get this: they’re *already* without Will Anciaux for the entire season. So, before that Kansas game, the only tight end who had seen any “meaningful snaps” was Linkon Cure. Talk about being thin at a crucial position. It’s gotta be a massive hit to their playbook and what they can do offensively.
Coach Klein’s ‘Day-to-Day’ Dilemma
Coach Klein is officially calling Oakley’s situation “day-to-day,” which, let’s be real, doesn’t sound too reassuring when you’re also hearing “probably unlikely” to suit up. You gotta feel for the coaching staff trying to game-plan without a key starter for the second week running, especially when the depth chart is already so sparse. Having only one guy with “meaningful snaps” going into a game, and then potentially having your starter out again? That’s a tough spot for the Wildcats to be in heading into a road game.
All eyes will be on how K-State adapts their offense this coming Saturday on October 24 against Arizona State. Can they find enough creative ways to move the ball without Oakley, or will this viral illness continue to be a massive headache for their offensive scheme? It’s going to be a real test of their depth and coaching smarts.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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