Gary Patterson's Weekly Presser: Sammy Douglas Out For Year, James McFarland could be too

During Gary Patterson's regular Tuesday press conference, he revealed some bad news along the injury front.

.@TCUCoachP says LB Sammy Douglas is done for the year and James @_JMAC_40 is "close" to being done. Latter has a few weeks to make it back

— TCUMagazine (@TCUMagazine) September 8, 2015

Sammy Douglas started the game alongside true freshman Mike Freeze, but left after the second series. He was replaced by Ty Summers. Douglas, a junior, was by far the most experienced linebacker, and his loss is a big one. Every other linebacker on the roster is a sophomore or younger.

The news got worse when Patterson said that defensive end James McFarland could possibly be done for the season as well, although that hasn't been determined yet.

Patterson also said that DT Davion Pierson was doubtful for this week's game against Stephen F. Austin, and that DE Mike Tuaua's status for the game was unknown.

Patterson also mentioned that Deante' Gray's injury recover is mostly mental at this point.

Patterson said Deante’ Gray is more about mentally trusting his knee than actual physical rehab. Not sure where he stands now. #TCU

— Travis L. Brown (@Travis_L_Brown) September 8, 2015

KaVontae Turpin To Return Kicks

Patterson also commented during his press conference that he was so impressed with Turpin's abilities that he would also take on first-team kickoff return duties.

Turpin returned three punts against Minnesota for a total of 13 yards, but showed a shiftiness that will allow him to break big returns in the future. He was also a player on offense, accumulating four touches for a total of 21 yards.

Defense Played Well

Patterson also complimented the play of his defense, saying that they played well. He did note that his playcalling on the final Minnesota touchdown drive was based on the inexperience of his team, and that he would have called it differently has his team been more experienced.