Knott to face surgery; QB decision to come later in week

By Rob Gray

Correspondent

AMES - The injuries continue to pile up for Iowa State football.

Now Cyclone redshirt freshman linebacker Luke Knott - the team's third-leading tackler - could be done for the season.

“He needs surgery,” said ISU coach Paul Rhoads, whose team (1-6, 0-4 Big 12) plays at 2:30 p.m. - er, 2:35 p.m. - Saturday at Kansas State. “It's a matter of when we do it.”

Knott did not play in last Saturday's 58-27 loss to Oklahoma State because of a “hip/groin issue.”

Rhoads said the decision would be made later this week whether to shut down Knott and have the surgery performed on his hip, or postpone the procedure until after the season.

Also on the injury front, Rhoads indicated starting tailback Aaron Wimberly's odds of taking the field against the Wildcats appear slim.

“I would not be optimistic that he'd be ready to go,” he said.

Quarterback Sam Richardson believes he will be - as the ill effects stemming from a scary hit incurred in the second quarter of last week's 58-27 loss to No. 18 Oklahoma State have lessened.

"There's a little pinch in my neck now," Richardson said. "But nothing serious. They just stretched it pretty good, so we'll see."

Rhoads was asked when it will be decided whether Richardson or backup Grant Rohach starts on Saturday in Manhattan.

"Probably at 2:34," Rhoads said in jest. "Stumped you on that one, didn't I?"

Rhoads noted starting tight end E.J. Bibbs has been practicing while battling a shoulder injury.

"Hurting, but practicing," Rhoads said. "Full pads."