Fluff Bothwell Injury Update: Will Mississippi State RB Play vs Florida After Texas A&M Scare?

Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby has shared encouraging news on star running back Fluff Bothwell after he was carted off late in the Bulldogs’ 31-9 loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 5. Lebby confirmed Tuesday, Oct. 7, that medical scans came back positive and that Bothwell is considered day-to-day.

Bothwell, the SEC’s second-leading rusher with 465 yards and six touchdowns this season, went down after a late fourth-quarter tackle behind the line of scrimmage. His exit alarmed fans, but Lebby’s update suggests the sophomore avoided a serious injury.

Jeff Lebby Confirms Encouraging Fluff Bothwell Injury Update

“We got I feel like good news back on Fluff,” Lebby said Tuesday. “As we move forward, there’s not this hard timeline for us right now. All the pictures came back and they looked positive. I feel really good about that. We’ll continue to evaluate that. That’s going to be a day-to-day deal, but really fortunate that the images came back the way they did.”

Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC) enters its bye week before traveling to face Florida (2-3, 1-1 SEC) on Oct. 18. Lebby did not confirm if Bothwell practiced Tuesday, but the tone of his comments points to a potential return in the near future.

Bothwell, a transfer from South Alabama, has been the focal point of the Bulldogs’ offense this season. If he’s sidelined, Mississippi State will rely on Davon Booth, with sophomore Xavier Gayten available for additional carries if needed.

Impact on the Bulldogs’ Offense Moving Forward

Bothwell’s health is crucial for Mississippi State’s young roster. He ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards and has been the most consistent weapon in Jeff Lebby’s attack. Losing him could increase the workload on Booth and force the Bulldogs to adjust their run-heavy scheme against Florida.

“We feel good about that room,” Lebby said. “We’ve talked a ton about the depth in that room. We’re going to need some guys to step up obviously.”

Lebby also addressed his decision to keep starters on the field late against Texas A&M despite the score. “We are trying to go finish the right way,” he said. “You get minimal opportunities to play this game, and we’re trying to finish the game the right way.”

Other Key Mississippi State Injury Notes

Lebby provided updates on other key players as well. Right tackle Albert Reese IV did not travel to Texas A&M and remains day-to-day, with hopes of practicing Oct. 14. Starting safety Isaac Smith, who was in a walking boot, also missed the game and his status for Florida depends on practice next week.

Mississippi State fans can breathe easier: Fluff Bothwell’s injury is not as severe as feared, and his return remains a day-to-day evaluation heading into the Florida matchup.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Fluff Bothwell injury update?

Jeff Lebby said scans were positive and Bothwell is day-to-day with no set return date.

Q2: Will Fluff Bothwell play against Florida?

His status remains uncertain. The team will evaluate him daily leading into the Oct. 18 game.

Q3: Who replaces Fluff Bothwell if he’s out?

Davon Booth would take the lead role, with Xavier Gayten likely providing depth.

Q4: What other injuries did Jeff Lebby update?

Right tackle Albert Reese IV and safety Isaac Smith are still recovering and their return depends on practice participation next week.

Q5: When is Mississippi State’s next game?

The Bulldogs play at Florida on Oct. 18 at 3:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.