Kansas State Wildcats Have Surprise Addition To Injury Report Vs. Arizona State

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson has been among the best players for the team, if not the Big 12 conference, this season. 

But there is a small chance he could not be available for Saturday's game against the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe. He is listed as questionable on the injury report that was released Wednesday. 

It would be a huge blow if Johnson is unavailable to play. The Wildcats have dealt with injuries at the backup quarterback spot all season. Jacob Knuth, Blake Barnett and Dillon Duff have all dealt with injuries. 

A three-year starter, Johnson is in the middle of perhaps his best collegiate season. He has completed 118 of 187 passes for 1,301 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. Last week he had a huge day in the victory against the Kansas Jayhawks. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also had 132 yards rushing on 12 carries in the 35-24 victory against the Jayhawks.

The Wildcats could use Johnson in a game they hope can continue to build momentum this season. After a two-game losing streak (against the Cincinnati Bearcats and Houston Cougars) to start the Big 12 schedule, they bounced back with a big victory against Kansas. 

A win against the Sun Devils would give the Wildcats a two-game winning streak in the conference. It would also keep them in the race for the Big 12 title game and a berth in the College Football Playoff. 

After the early two losses, the Wildcats have limited margin for error the remainder of the season. And keeping Johnson healthy will be a key part of that happening. He will leave Manhattan as one of the top passers in school history. Expect to see Johnson's name all over the K-State record books, joining the likes of Michael Bishop and Collin Klein, who is now the head coach. 

All of the signs are pointing toward Johnson playing this weekend in Tempe. The Wildcats coaching staff is likely just being cautious about his status. So expect him in uniform for Saturday's game 

If not, things could get dicey for the Wildcats. None of the backups have any real experience. It will be even tougher considering they are playing on the road against a conference rival. 

The hope is Johnson is ready to go to help the Wildcats' chance of moving three games ahead of .500.