TCU Football Injury Report: Barkley, Ellis ‘out for a while’

TCU football kicks off the season in a few weeks, launching into a 2021 campaign that seems to carry added significance. With the football season comes Gary Patterson’s weekly media availability, and during that conversation he provided an injury update on a handful of players.

The Frogs are no stranger to injuries, and it seems that every season potential contributors are down before week 1. This year is no different, although the number of injuries is fewer than in years past. Another positive note is that most of the injury news has to do with guys who are well on their way to recovering from injuries, rather than just having suffered them.

TCU wide receiver Mikel Barkley was in a walking boot on Wednesday, and Patterson noted that he ‘will probably be out for a long time.” Barkley appeared in 10 games in 2020, totaling seven receptions and 33 yards. The burner from Palomar College appeared ready to take on a larger role this season.

When asked who was stepping up in Barkley’s absence, Patterson listed a few names. “[Blair] Conwright. Marcel Brooks is going to have to. He didn’t go today because of an upper body injury. Quincy Brown. All those guys will have their opportunity.”

Another receiver, Taye Barber, is “just starting to get back into it,” according to Patterson. The senior is being moved around more this season, and we should see him play some at outside receiver in addition to his normal role in the slot.

New tight end D’Andre Rogers is also just returning to the fold after having to quarantine due to Covid. Per Patterson, Rogers was the only Horned Frog to have covid this fall. Rogers, along with Geor’Quarius Spivey, provides a new look to TCU’s tight end situation after the departure of Pro Wells and Artayvious Lynn.

On the defensive side of the ball, George Ellis is going to be “out for a while” according to Patterson. Defensive tackle has been hit hard during fall camp. “We started with nine defensive tackles and are down to four defensive tackles,” Patterson said Wednesday.

The Frogs should be getting two guys back along the interior DL soon though, as both Terrell Cooper and Jaquaze Sorrells are returning from injuries and working their way back into things.

Speaking of DT, Corey Bethley is making his way back after missing the last half of 2020 with a knee injury. Patterson noted that they’re working to get Bethley extra reps to help him get back into shape.

Noah Daniels is also working his way back from the season-ending leg injury he suffered in 2020, and Patterson noted that he “is still behind where we need him to be, leg wise.” C.J. Ceasar is recovering from an injury, as is Jamoi Hodge. Hodge is projected to start at linebacker next to Dee Winters, but his absence has allowed others to step up.

“Wyatt Harris has really stepped up since Jamoi’s been out.” Patterson said, “So has Zach Marcheselli, and a guy who is going to be a great player, my man from Northshore, Banks. He doesn’t know where he’s going all the time yet, but he’s getting there.”

You can watch the full media availability right here: