Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Colorado starting center Van Wells is doubtful for Saturday’s Week 3 game against Colorado State.
Wells, one of the few returning Buffs from last season’s team, left last week’s game against Nebraska with an apparent leg injury and was replaced by true freshman Hank Zilinskas. Thamel reported Wells was limited in practice this week.
Zilinskas is expected to make his first career start vs. the Rams. The three-star Cherry Creek High School (Colorado) graduate committed to the Buffs prior to the 2022 season before signing his letter of intent in December. He also received offers from Kansas State, Penn and Nevada during his recruitment.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was asked about Wells’ status on Tuesday:
“(He’s) healing,” Sanders said. “The thing about it, this is a game where it’s next man up. (Zilinskas) came in and did a great job and we didn’t miss a beat. … We have the depth that we need; we could always use more, but I feel like we’re OK at that position. Hopefully, Van gets better soon.”
Sources: Colorado starting center Van Wells is doubtful for the game against Colorado State on Saturday night. Colorado slated to break in a true freshman center, Hank Zilinskas, who is expected to make his first career start. https://t.co/JUOQzI4Afr
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 16, 2023
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