Texas A&M lost Terry Bussey and Mario Craver to injuries early against Kentucky, delivering two potentially significant blows to the Aggies' offense.
Texas A&M's SEC opener against Kentucky took a troubling turn almost immediately Saturday when wide receivers Terry Bussey and Mario Craver both left the game with injuries.
Bussey's injury was the more alarming of the two.
The Texas A&M junior went down on the opening kickoff after making an awkward cut during an 11-yard return. Bussey immediately grabbed at his right knee and couldn't put weight on the leg before trainers eventually carted him into the Aggies' tunnel.
ESPN sideline reporter Kris Budden reported during the broadcast that Bussey was unable to bear weight on the injured leg.
Bussey entered Saturday emerging as an increasingly important weapon for the No. 9 Aggies. Through the first two games, he had seven receptions for 92 yards while adding 10 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries. He was also serving as Texas A&M's primary kickoff returner.
No official diagnosis had been announced during the early stages of Saturday's game, and any speculation regarding ligament damage would be premature.
Texas A&M's receiving corps took another hit later in the first quarter when Craver was injured after catching a tunnel screen on third down.
Craver was tackled around the ankle by a Kentucky defender and remained down while the Aggies' medical staff came onto the field. He appeared to indicate that the problem involved his foot or ankle.
The initial signs weren't quite as ominous as Bussey's. Craver was able to leave the field with assistance while appearing capable of putting some weight on the injured leg.
Shortly afterward, Craver emerged from the medical tent and was seen on the Texas A&M sideline watching film with teammates.
There was no immediate announcement regarding whether he would return.
Craver entered the Kentucky game with eight receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns this season and sits atop the Aggies' depth chart at receiver.
The injuries are especially significant because Texas A&M was already without wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman and running back Jamarion Morrow, who were ruled out before kickoff.
For Mike Elko and the Aggies, what was supposed to be the beginning of the SEC schedule quickly became a test of their offensive depth.
Now, the biggest questions may extend well beyond Saturday's game.
