Is Shilo Sanders playing today? Colorado Buffaloes safety’s availability for Week 5 explored

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) are gearing up for their Week 5 showdown against the unbeaten UCF Knights (3-0, 1-0) led by KJ Jefferson. This Big 12 clash promises to be a thriller, with both teams hungry for victory.

A key question heading into the game is whether Colorado’s safety, Shilo Sanders, will suit up. Sanders has been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering an arm injury in the Buffaloes’ tough loss to Nebraska. Colorado, however, showed resilience to bounce back in Week 4 with an overtime thriller against Baylor.

Shilo Sanders injury update

Sanders had surgery on his right forearm after taking down Nebraska’s running back Dante Dowdell during their Week 2 matchup. Coach Deion Sanders initially estimated that Shilo would be out for two to three weeks:

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"Shilo is on pace to be back," coach Prime said [H/t Coloradoan]. "I'm not going to count out this week (vs. UCF). I'm not going to count that out but if he holds off this week, that'll give him two more weeks which is pretty smart."

What happened to Shilo Sanders?

Sanders got hurt in the first quarter of Colorado's 28-10 loss to the Cornhuskers on Sept. 7 and had to sit out for the rest of the game.

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When will Shilo Sanders return?

According to reports, Shilo's return will only happen when he's physically ready. However, there's a small chance he could be back for the UCF game.

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"Shilo is a fighter," Deion Sanders said according to SI's Jason Jones. "He’s been working hard to get back, but we’ll have to see how he feels later in the week. If he’s not ready, we’ll give him another week to recover fully."

Before his injury, Shilo had been a key player for the team, leading in tackles and earning an All-Pac-12 honorable mention last season. In two appearances this year, Sanders has 11 tackles (8 solo and 3 assisted).

Last season, Sanders led the Pac-12 in forced fumbles with four and was third in the NCAA.

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