Indiana’s starting cornerback A.J. Harris is doubtful for Friday night’s Big Ten opener against Northwestern after sustaining a lower body injury in the season opener against North Texas. The Hoosiers announced the initial injury report ahead of the primetime game in Bloomington, confirming Harris’s status as doubtful.
Harris exited the first quarter against North Texas alongside Jamari Sharpe with cornerback injuries. Sharpe has since returned to the lineup, starting last week against Western Kentucky, but Harris has yet to recover enough to take the field. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti noted last week that Harris has only practiced about 20 percent of the time since joining the program, underscoring the challenges the team has faced integrating him fully.
Ryland Gandy, who started opposite Sharpe against Western Kentucky, is expected to fill in if Harris remains sidelined. Gandy’s involvement could shape Indiana’s defensive secondary during the conference opener against Northwestern.
The injury report also lists defenders Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt as questionable due to an ongoing NCAA eligibility lawsuit. Both players have recovered from knee injuries suffered last season but remain ineligible to compete pending a ruling from Monroe County Circuit Court on their request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA’s "five-for-five" rule. Cignetti said on Saturday that a decision could come any time this week, adding, “We’ll find out we think soon. But if not, we lost some key guys last year and other guys stepped up.”
Indiana’s field goal kicker Nico Radicic is another player listed as questionable. Radicic has been sidelined with a rib injury and missed the last two games. Paddy McAteer has taken over kicking duties, converting one of two field goal attempts and 12 of 13 extra points in Radicic’s absence.
Northwestern’s injury report reveals their starting defensive back Braden Turner is doubtful. Turner has been significant for the Wildcats’ secondary this season, recording 15 tackles, including eight solo, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and an interception.
Indiana enters the game with a 3-0 record, ranked No. 4 nationally, aiming to maintain momentum in their conference opener. The Hoosiers’ injury situation, particularly in the defensive backfield, will be a factor in their preparation for Northwestern’s offense.
Michael Niziolek, Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times, provided the details of the injury report. The situation with Harris and the eligibility of Daley and Wyatt remain points to watch as the week progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.