TCU Horned Frogs could miss four starters against Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday

Two running backs, a wide receiver, and a cornerback who all start for the TCU Horned Frogs could be out during Saturday’s contest against the Iowa State Cyclones.

Nov 2, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back B.J. Catalon (23) runs during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. West Virginia won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Jennings of TCU 360 reports that leading running back, B.J. Catalon, suffered an injury that’s unknown.

"Starting running back B.J. Catalon is “probably” out with an unspecified injury, said head coach Gary Patterson. Catalon was injured Saturday against West Virginia, but did not know when the injury occurred.“You know, I don’t think he really knows,” Patterson said. “He just walked in Sunday and was hurt.”"

Catalon leads the team with 405 rushing yards on 84 attempts and five touchdowns. He averages about 4.82 yards per carry, the biggest loss for the team if he isn’t able to go.

The other running back, Waymon James, will face a suspension for violating team rules, but Patterson made it unclear when it would take place and how long it would be. He has 55 carries for 242 yards and four touchdowns.

That’s a ton of production that could be off the team when they face the Cyclones. Their backups, sophomore running back Aaron Greene, has 39 carries for 135 yards, and the last one listed on the depth chart, Jordan Moore, has just five carries for 34 yards.

Another weapon on offense, wide receiver Brandon Carter, isn’t dealing with an injury, but it is unknown if he’ll even return for the season after missing Saturday’s game with a personal issue. Carter is fourth in receiving yards with 197 on 17 catches and doesn’t have a touchdown.

Last, but certainly not least, is cornerback Jason Verrett. The senior has 34 total tackles (26 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack, and has broken up 12 passes (which leads the team). Patterson didn’t rule Verrett out but is questionable after not being in practice yet this week. He suffered a shoulder injury but because his backup, Keivon Gamble, injured his ankle against the Mountaineers, he could be put back on the field.

All four losses will have an impact on the team that already has a sub-average offense, making the matchup a little less threatening for the Cyclones.