Knighten doubtful for Saturday's game vs. Idaho

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - Arkansas State Head Football Coach Blake Anderson said Fredi Knighten is doubtful for Saturday's contest against Idaho while still leaving the door open to him playing if he is ready.

Knighten has missed two straight games after pulling his groin on September 12 against Missouri. The Red Wolves initially said Knighten would play this past Saturday at Toledo but after warming up, he didn't start and back-up quarterback James Tabary got the start in his place.

To begin the week, the word was not optimistic on Knighten playing against Idaho this Saturday and hasn't changed much. "He's feeling better but if we played today he wouldn't be 100% and it would be foolish on our part to put him out there," said Anderson.

The team acknowledged the likelihood that he would play Saturday is small but they are not ruling out a possible showing by the senior. "There's a chance he would be able to go on Saturday," said Anderson after Wednesday's practice, "I've seen stranger things happen, we just have to be smart about what we're doing."

Giving Knighten another week to heal might not be the worst thing the Red Wolves could do. Idaho is struggling with a 1-3 (0-1) record with their only win coming against Wofford. The Vandals have given up an average of 45.6 points per game so it'll be one of the weaker defensive opponents A-State will face. If Tabary can get the Red Wolves past Idaho then Knighten would have an additional ten days rest with the next game not coming until Tuesday, October 13 at South Alabama.

Tabary could have the possibility of redeeming himself from a poor showing against Toledo last Saturday. He threw three interceptions with a fumble in the 37-7 loss against the Rockets. "I don't feel pressured at all," said Tabary, "Even after what happened at Toledo it was just a life lesson and you learn from your mistakes."

Arkansas State plays Idaho at 6:00 pm on Saturday.

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