At Least One Injured Kansas State Football Offensive Lineman Is Expected To Play Friday

One Injured Kansas State Football Offensive Lineman Is Expected to Play in Friday Game

Offensive Lineman Josh Rivas Expected to Play

Manhattan, Kan. — Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman said at least one of the two injured offensive linemen who missed the season opener is expected to play Friday night against Southern Illinois.

Klieman said offensive lineman Josh Rivas is expected to play against SIU. He said that Cooper Beebe's status is still up in the air and is a game-time decision.

Both Rivas and Beebe missed the opener against South Dakota due to injury. Rivas did not make the trip to Vermillion, South Dakota, while Beebe made the trip but did not dress for the game.

Rivas started 11 games at right guard last season, while Beebe started the final four games of the season at left guard.

Klieman said it's important to get both Rivas and Beebe back on the field as soon as possible. While Rivas is expected to play Friday's game, Klieman said he needs to get Beebe back on the field as well.

"We need to get him back," Klieman said. "He's a big part of what we do. He's a physical presence in there. He's a guy that can move people. We need him back on the field."

With Rivas and Beebe out, the Wildcats started redshirt freshman Hayden Gillum at left guard and redshirt sophomore Christian Duffie at right guard in the opener, with sophomore Sam Shields seeing some action at right guard.

If Rivas and Beebe are unable to play against Southern Illinois, Gillum and Duffie will likely start again.