The Colorado Buffaloes are facing injury issues as they prepare for the upcoming season, particularly regarding three of their newcomers. Freshmen Rider Portela and Eric Jacobsen are dealing with hand and knee injuries, respectively, limiting their participation in practice. Meanwhile, sophomore transfer David Gomez is sidelined as he recovers from foot surgery.
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During the first day of fall practice, Colorado head coach Tad Boyle provided updates on the three players. While Portela and Jacobsen show promising recovery, Gomez's situation appears more troubling, impacting both his progress and the team’s performance.
Boyle expressed cautious optimism regarding the overall health of the team, noting that 15 out of 16 players were able to practice. However, he acknowledged that Gomez is falling behind due to his lack of participation. "When you're hurt, there's nothing I can do about it...it’s really, really difficult, especially early in the season, to not be on the floor getting reps," Boyle said. He emphasized that Gomez had limited availability over the summer due to his injury and missed practice on the first day.
As the competition for starting positions intensifies in the frontcourt, Boyle pointed out that Gomez’s prolonged recovery is becoming an obstacle. "Each day he loses reps, he loses ground," Boyle noted, underlining the urgency of the situation. He added, "This train is leaving the station and it ain't waiting for nobody."
Concerns about Gomez's recovery duration are valid, especially since his injury lacks the severity typically associated with extended downtime. Boyle clarified that Gomez’s ongoing absence is based on his own assessment of pain rather than any medical setbacks. "According to our doctors, he’s fine and ready to go, but David doesn’t think he is. He’s got some pain there, so he’s not playing," he explained.
As Gomez continues to miss practice, he risks slipping further on the depth chart, a situation that both fans and analysts will be monitoring closely.