Colorado vs. Oregon: Laviska Shenault, KD Nixon and Mustafa Johnson all questionable

The Colorado Buffaloes were surprisingly healthy through their first three weeks, but games against Arizona State and Arizona saw all kinds of maladies pile up. The Buffs are hurting badly and it does not help at all that CU is playing Oregon on a short week.

Laviska Shenault Jr. (core injury) — Day-to-Day

Shenault suited up against Arizona and went through warm-ups, but he was ultimately out for the game. Anything can happen, but I would expect Shenault to play against Oregon. Colorado will need all the offensive firepower they can get.

Mustafa Johnson (ankle) — Day-to-Day

Johnson hurt his ankle in the first quarter of the Arizona State. He was injured on a cut block that sure looked like an intentional hit job. Colorado doesn’t have anyone who can replicate his disruption, and for that, he is likely CU’s most valuable defender. Johnson’s injury wasn’t as bad as we initially thought and it’s 50-50 if he plays against Oregon.

K.D. Nixon (undisclosed) — Day-to-Day

K.D. Nixon was hurt at the end of the Arizona game, but it’s not known what his injury is. He’s considered day-to-day, per Mel Tucker, so we will see if he suits up.

Mikial Onu (torso) — Day-to-Day

Onu has been dealing with injuries throughout the season, and he picked up another one against Arizona. On the Wildcats’ 75-yard touchdown, Onu chased the receiver but pulled up holding his side. He missed the rest of the game and was replaced by former quarterback Sam Noyer. I’m guessing he’s back but it’s not known just yet.

Jalen Sami (knee) — Questionable

Sami hurt his right knee against Arizona and missed the second half. He was replaced by Austen Williams (Fr.), who is just about as immovable. Sami should return soon, possibly against Oregon.

Jalen Harris (undisclosed) — Questionable

The giant tight end was held out against Arizona with an unknown injury. Brady Russell was banged up against the Wildcats too, but he should be back. If Harris is back too — and there’s honestly no telling until game-time — the Buffs will be full strength at an important position.

Aaron Maddox (laceration) — Doubtful

Against Air Force, Maddox crashed into a misting fan on the sideline and badly cut his leg. He was carted off the field and was taken immediately to the hospital. He will be back, most likely by the end of October. Derrion Rakestraw (Jr.) has been solid in relief, but the Buffs badly need him back in the secondary.

Colby Pursell (gallbladder) — Out Indefinitely

Pursell is out indefinitely as he underwent gallbladder surgery this week. He missed the game against Arizona and was replaced by Casey Roddick (r-Fr.) at right guard.

Chris Miller (ACL) — Out for Season

Miller is out for the season after tearing his ACL against Arizona State. He was questionable to play against Arizona, but furthering testing revealed further damage to his ACL. Miller was replaced by cornerback K.J. Trujillo (Fr.).

Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder) — Out for Season

Blackmon is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. He has been dealing with the injury for the past weeks and opted this week to have surgery. Blackmon will be replaced by either Uryan Hudson (Jr.) or Dylan Thomas (r-Fr.), who have combined to play one snap at cornerback this season.