Aside from KU's opening week loss, Big 12 fans have to feel pretty good. Eleven of the 12 teams started the season with a win, and there were no significant injuries to speak of. Here's a quick rundown of the few minor ailments heading into week two.
Baylor - Running back Jay Finley was in the starting lineup and ripped off a 44-yard touchdown run against Sam Houston State. Baylor coaches held him to a modest six carries in his first game action since offseason ankle surgery, but look for an increased workload as the season goes on and the competition gets tougher.
Missouri - Wide receiver Jerrell Jackson completed a miraculous turnaround from wrist surgery to start against Illinois. He played with a small cast but still managed to haul in four receptions for 50 yards. Fellow wideout T.J. Moe had a big game but did take a few big shots in the process, two of which knocked his helmet off and cut his chin. Both guys will suit up against McNeese State though. Running back Kendial Lawrence suffered a bruised shoulder in the fourth quarter, but coach Gary Pinkel said he's expected to play on Saturday. Lawrence was outperformed by De'Vion Moore, and I expect true freshman Henry Josey's role to expand in the coming weeks.
Oklahoma State - Quarterback Brandon Weeden hit his hand on a helmet during the Pokes' rout of Washington State, but he's fine and will play against Troy. Wideout Hubert Anyiam missed the opener while still recovering from a foot injury, and according to a twitter exchange I had with beat writer Bill Haisten, he may well be held out this week. According to Haisten, Oklahoma State coaches are most worried about having him healthy for the conference season.
Texas - The Longhorns came out feeding the ball to newly-minted starting RB Cody Johnson, who had nine carries on the opening drive. News came out today that Johnson sprained his ankle on the second play but didn't let the coaches know. He ended up being replaced by Tre' Newton who wound up rushing for three TDs and stealing the starting job. Johnson will likely play this week, but Newton is the flavor of the week in the Texas running game.
Texas A&M - Wide receiver and backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffered an elbow injury in the opener, which limited him to one catch. The Aggie coaches clearly recognize Tannehill's value as the backup QB, and with a deep receiving corps, they may look to reduce his workload at receiver.
Texas Tech - A back injury forced to Alex Torres miss the SMU game, but I have a feeling Lyle Leong's breakout performance will provide some additional motivation to get back on the field. Given the slew of receiving options in Lubbock, they may opt to ease Torres back in if he does play. Fellow wideout Detron Lewis briefly left Sunday's game due to cramping and a turf burn, but he'll be ready to go this week as well.
Check back Wednesday for a breakdown of this week's games.