K-State football got an early-season break with its bye week after a loss to Cincinnati, leaving a terrible taste in the mouths of Wildcat fans and the team.
The 31-26 loss to the Bearcats may not have been the biggest takeaway, though. K-State also lost two key pass-catchers for Avery Johnson’s offense.
What’s the injury report?
Two players sustained injuries and were out of the matchup against Cincinnati early: former team leader in receiving yards, Jaron Tibbs, and second-string tight end Will Anciaux.
K-State coach Collin Klein provided updates on both players, and the outcomes could not have been more different. Tibbs was described as “will be fine,” while Anciaux suffered a devastating injury that will keep him out for the season. Although the full extent of Anciaux’s injury has not been announced, he was seen wearing a boot and using a scooter on the sideline.
With both players out, Missouri transfer Josh Manning was expected to step up and produce for a banged-up K-State offense. Instead, Manning struggled against Cincinnati.
Who will step up for Avery Johnson and this K-State passing offense?
Tibbs appears to be on the road to recovery, but even if he returns soon, he may need time to get back to 100%.
That means the Wildcats need a next-man-up mentality
Manning had an underwhelming performance against Cincinnati, catching one pass for 19 yards despite being targeted eight times in the 31-26 loss. The stat line tells the story: high volume, low production.
K-State brought Manning in to play a major role as a wide receiver in Klein’s offense, but that opportunity has now shifted to players such as Derrick Salley Jr.
Salley Jr. came out of nowhere after failing to record a catch in K-State’s victory over Washington State. Seeing a player who may have entered the season as the team’s third wide receiver step into a larger role is encouraging, but now it is time for one of K-State’s top recruits in history to make his presence felt.
Reported missing person in the tight end room
With Anciaux out for the rest of the season, Linkon Cure is poised to receive a larger share of a historically productive K-State tight end room.
The problem is that Cure has yet to see substantial playing time in Manhattan.
Through his first two seasons at K-State, Cure has recorded just 60 receiving yards and has been as low as fourth on the tight end depth chart. Despite his lack of production, Cure has flashed his potential as a blocker, frequently seeing time on the perimeter and contributing to the running game.
But now, his opportunity has arrived.
Cure came to K-State as a five-star recruit, carrying significant expectations. With his size, athleticism and receiving ability, the Wildcats expected him to become a major piece of the offense. Yet that has not happened yet.
You see how this looks, right?
If a five-star recruit leaves high school with enormous expectations but struggles to earn playing time and produce at the college level, the “bust” label can come quickly. Cure still has plenty of time to change that narrative.
The Verdict
Linkon Cure needs to create opportunities for both Johnson and the K-State offense.
Cure has the potential to become a major weapon in the passing game while opening up the running game for a Wildcats offense that currently ranks among the top 20 nationally in rushing. He also has the opportunity to become Johnson’s next reliable tight end target after Jayce Brown’s departure to LSU.
The talent has always been there. Now, Cure needs the opportunity, and more importantly, he needs to take advantage of it.
It’s time for Cure to see more targets. Over the next few weeks, he could begin his campaign to become the clear-cut No. 1 tight end for the 2027 K-State Wildcats.
It all starts with becoming Avery Johnson’s new favorite target in the flat.
