Kansas football could be without key offensive player for Sunflower Showdown

Kansas football finally had some of the pressure taken off its shoulders following a 42-14 blowout win over Houston. It marked the first conference and FBS victory of the 2024 campaign for Lance Leipold and Co. However, a few players left the game banged up.

Daniel Hishaw Jr., one of the top offensive weapons for the Jayhawks in past years, reaggravated a leg injury against the Cougars. He had already been absent from the lineup once vs. UNLV due to an illness. When head coach Lance Leipold spoke to the media on Monday, he discussed Hishaw's injury and designated his status as questionable.

Daniel Hishaw Jr. listed as 'very questionable' for K-State game

"He didn't go through practice today. I'll put him in the questionable, very questionable for this next week."

- Lance Leipold on Daniel Hishaw

KU's first practice of the week took place on Monday, but the redshirt junior did not participate. It doesn't sound like fans will receive an update on his injury for a few more days.

Hishaw is the complementary back to starter Devin Neal, who has a chance to break the school’s all-time rushing record this weekend. However, he finished with two totes and eight yards after being removed from the previous contest in the first quarter.

The Jayhawk faithful know the potential Hishaw has when he is on the field. He is a powerful, elusive runner who is the perfect change-of-pace weapon to pair with Neal. Hishaw's name has been recognized on the Preseason Doak Walker Award Watchlist in consecutive seasons. However, injuries have marred his tenure in Lawrence — he missed the entire 2021 campaign and suffered a season-ending hip injury halfway through 2022.

Against a stellar K-State defense, the Jayhawks cannot afford to lose any production on the ground. Losing Hishaw would be a massive blow. But if he does miss the Sunflower Showdown, expect Neal to assume a larger workload and potentially gain the 73+ yards he needs to make history.