Photo Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
Spring practice started this week for the Kentucky Wildcats but the team will have to go through spring workouts without their top two returning tight ends.
C.J. Conrad will miss spring practice due to recovery from a Lisfranc injury to his left foot that he suffered during the Wildcats loss to Georgia back on November 18th. While Conrad wasn’t expected to be back in time for spring practice, sophomore Justin Rigg was hoping to get some extra reps. However, that has now changed after an unfortunate injury during the opening practice of the spring.
Rigg, who missed most of the 2016 season with a lacerated kidney, collided with cornerback Chris Westry during Monday’s practice. UK announced that he will be out of spring practice with an injury to his spleen. Westry is also out at the moment but is expected to return to practice soon.
The injuries to Conrad and Rigg leave the Wildcats without a scholarship tight end for spring practice. The staff decided to move redshirt sophomore Jaylin Bannerman, who practiced at tight end last season, to defense. Kentucky does have two incoming freshmen tight ends in Brenden Bates and Keaton Upshaw but they will not arrive until summer.
The news doesn’t have Conrad down as he tweeted out positive thoughts about both tight ends returning to the field this fall. The good news is there is plenty of time to heal up before fall camp begins.
