Purdue Football: Injuries already taking a toll

A season ago, the Purdue football team was hit hard by the injury bug.

Sadly, such is the case again this preseason for the Boilermakers.

Purdue football coach Ryan Walters offered up bad news this week when it comes to two potential starters, saying both cornerback Nyland Green and wide receiver CJ Smith will miss the season opener against Indiana State. The Boilermakers host Indiana State on Aug. 31.

Walters acknowledged Smith has a hamstring injury, while Green has a foot injury. Despite the news, Walters said Smith has responded well to treatment and will use the time between the Indiana State and Notre Dame game to work to get back.

“Luckily, we got a bye week after that and the goal is to get him back for Notre Dame. That’s a very real possibility, but, bottom line is, we’re not going to bring him back until he’s ready,” Walters said of Smith.

As for Green, he got his foot stepped on, Walters said.

“He’s got a non-surgical injury to his foot, which is a blessing. It could have been a lot worse. He will miss that first game, but, again, we got a bye week. You can’t tell him that he’s questionable for Notre Dame. In his mind, he’s playing in that one,” Walters said.

In addition to those injuries, Purdue football has also had wide receiver Kam Brown, defensive lineman Joe Anderson and offensive lineman Rod Green miss.

“Kam Brown and Joe Anderson, both are coming off minor operations from the spring and have been killing it in rehab. I anticipate those guys being back within a week or two,” said Walters.

As for Green, he had labrum surgery and is out for the entire season.

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