Keyone Jenkins faces a daunting ranked schedule while missing key weapons, though the return of playmaker Jonathan Bibbs offers a crucial boost for the depleted Knights' roster.
Despite UCF's 3-1 start, the Knights have caught the injury bug early in the season.
Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III is the most notable player missing time, but backup quarterback Keyone Jenkins has filled in nicely.
On Wednesday, the program released their updated injury report, with a laundry list of players already ruled out and three more being listed as questionable.
Duane Thomas Jr., who projected to be one of UCF's top pass catchers this season, is yet to see the field, as he suffered an undisclosed injury towards the end of UCF's offseason camp.
He remains out against No. 20 ranked Houston on Saturday, but the Knights should get Jonathan “Slim Jim” Bibbs back from injury to supplement the receiving corps.
Bibbs, a Louisiana-Monroe transfer, recorded 383 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 26 catches last season as a redshirt freshman.
He missed Week 3 against Georgia State and Week against TCU, but did find the endzone in the Knights' season-opening victory over Bethune-Cookman.
Getting him back adds another weapon for Jenkins, who enters his second week as UCF's starter.
Against the Horned Frogs on Saturday, Jenkins set the program record for completion percentage, connecting on 19 of his 20 attempts (95%).
Ironically, he passed his current mentor and QB coach McKenzie Milton, who posted a 92% single-game rate in 2017.
Milton is hoping Jenkins can continue to play at this high level as UCF enters a brutal three-game stretch against ranked opponents.
Standout tight end Dylan Wade is another new name added to the injury report, as he suffered an upper body injury late in the Knights' win on Saturday.
After posting the most-productive season from a tight end in program history last season, Wade has had a slow start to his senior campaign.
Through the opening four games, Wade has recorded just 53 yards on eight receptions.
This injury comes at a tough time for both Wade and Jenkins, who connected for five catches in the Knights' Big 12 opener.
Starting linebacker Lewis Carter is the most notable defender who won't suit up in Houston, as he remains sidelined after missing Saturday's win.
Carter, the leader of UCF's defense, had gotten off to a strong start before getting hurt, with he and Tackett Curtis playing at a high level in defensive coordinator Alex Grinch's defense.
The first matchup of the Knights' three-game will be against senior quarterback Connor Weigman, who has gotten off to a flaming start to his final collegiate season, slinging 11 passing touchdowns and just one interception.
However, the Knights have shown the ability to give Weigman problems in the past, with the 6-foot-3 gunslinger surrendering three interceptions to UCF defensive back Phillip Dunnam in last season's Space Game.
UCF faces off with Houston at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
