Source: Houston QB Greg Ward Jr. (shoulder) out Saturday, expected back for next game
No. 6 Houston will be without its starting quarterback against Lamar today. Greg Ward Jr. will sit out the game against the FCS opponent after suffering a shoulder injury against Oklahoma. He’s expected to return to start Thursday at Cincinnati, one of the most challenging games remaining on Houston’s schedule.
Ward injured the shoulder in the third quarter against Oklahoma and played through pain the rest of the game. An MRI showed no structural damage.
Ward’s health is paramount to the Cougars’ success, as he’s emerged as one of the top duel-threat quarterbacks in college football. Ward finished last season as one of two quarterbacks in college football with more than 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing. (The other was Clemson’s Deshaun Watson).
He shined in the Cougars’ breakthrough victory over No. 3 Oklahoma last week, completing 23-of-40 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns. But Ward is only 5’11 and 190 pounds, and those listings can be considered generous. His slight frame makes him susceptible to injury, which is something Houston coaches are aware of.
• Behind the scenes of Houston’s upset over Oklahoma
Kyle Postma will be making his second career start for the Cougars. His first came against Connecticut last year, the only loss in Houston’s 13-1 season. Postma did make some cameos in place of Ward because of injuries. The highlight was rushing for a game-winning touchdown to lead Houston to a 35-34 victory over Memphis, capping a 20-point comeback.
Postma spent time at wide receiver last year and moonlighted as a punter during Houston’s spring practice.
