IU football coach Curt Cignetti expressed optimism both of his starting cornerbacks could return to action soon, with at least one likely to return this Saturday when the Hoosiers take on Western Kentucky.
Both Jamari Sharpe and A.J. Harris were injured in the first quarter of the season opener against North Texas, and both missed the week two game against Howard.
“They’re day-to-day but we’re optimistic,” Cignetti said Monday. “Jamari, we’ll see how he’s doing, and Blake Smythe as well.”
The precise nature of the injuries hasn’t been disclosed, but Harris could be seen limping off the field in the first quarter of the North Texas game.
In place of Sharpe and Harris, veteran Ryland Gandy and second-year Jaylen Bell have seen valuable action at corner, and Cignetti has been encouraged by their performances.
“I thought they both took steps forward the last two weeks,” Cignetti said of Gandy and Bell. “I thought Jaylen Bell has been pretty consistent. I thought he played well against North Texas. Ryland had a couple mistakes, but he’s certainly improved and he’s played a lot of football. I have a lot of confidence in both of them.”
Harris also missed a portion of fall camp with an injury. Cignetti was less clear about his availability for Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky. He excluded Harris in response to two different questions about the status of the injured corners for this weekend’s game.
“Sometimes the best ability is availability,” Cignetti said. “We do expect Sharpe back, and we’re ready to roll.”
One other injury note: Cignetti said on his Thursday radio show last week running back Khobie Martin broke the two bones in his right forearm. As previously reported, Martin is targeting a midseason return.
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