Deion Sanders and his boys are yet to recover from the 35-21 loss at the hands of the TCU Horned Frogs. But the universe has no mercy for the Colorado Buffaloes. While Deion might be finding his way to be back on his feet, strong and steady against the Iowa State game, here came another grounding alert. On the other hand, the Cyclones’ latest game against Cincinnati was a big disappointment, a 38-30 loss. Looks like the injury gods sprinkled a curse on both programs. Combining Deion’s and Iowa State’s injury list, 38 players, you read that right, THIRTY EIGHT players are on the list.

On October 8, Adam Munsterteiger dropped a screenshot of the injury report. Deion’s got a final verdict for 12 players while the rest nine’s fate hangs in balance. On the other hand, Matt Campbell, too, will not be playing 12 players while keeping an eye on five players for a miracle to happen. Against TCU, Deion and co.’s injury list had 27 Buffs either listed as out, doubtful, questionable or probable. Many of those held smaller roles on the team. Now what about Deion’s injured weapons against Iowa State? 

Former Florida State wide receiver Hykeem Williams has shown improvements on boarding the Colorado wagon. But poor Williams. He will now be sidelined. On the other hand, Deion will not have one of his most sincere players, offensive lineman Tyler Brown. Talking about his loyalty. Last year, he promised, “I’ve been with Shedeur Sanders for 3 years. He’s a phenomenal teammate and an even better human being! We all love him and would go to war with him any day!” So, his dedication to Deion’s program would have turned the Buffs’ luck against Iowa State.

The other Colorado players on the “out” list are CB RJ Johnson, TE Sav’ell Smalls, WR Carson Westbrook, OL Philip Houston, along with a bunch of others. For the ones, a big question mark looms on the “doubtful” list are- wide receivers Dre’lon Miller and Isaiah Hardge, along with safety Carter Stoutmire and DE Arden Walker. The questionable list features defensive tackle duo Amari McNeill and Anquin Barnes Jr., along with Reginald Hughes. The only hope is Deion’s two players on the “probable” list- defensive ends Keaten Wade and London Merritt.

In the face of Deion facing injury woes, the troubles are no less for the Cyclones. Campbell and co. will be running with a broken defensive back room with Jontez Williams, Jeremiah Cooper, Khijohn Cummings-Coleman, among others, being sidelined. While placekicker Kyle Konrardy’s status remains “doubtful,” WR Carson Brown, DB Cam Smith, RB Carson Hansen, and TE Vince Benetti sit on the “questionable” bench. But at least, along with the injury woes, Campbell does not have to bear his own health battles, unlike Deion. 

Deion Sanders’ one-shoe sideline moment followed by an old woe coming back

The Buffs fans were expecting Deion’s boys to maintain their streak after last season’s 42-45 victory against the Horned Frogs. But what did they get in return? A heartbreaking loss (35-21). Was that enough? Unfortunately no. Along with the loss, they got an unpleasant surprise. Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion was spotted wearing one shoe.

As analyst Brian Howell tweeted, “Colorado HC Deion Sanders wearing just one shoe. He has no shoe on the left foot right now. He’s complained recently of his foot throbbing when he’s talked to us in press conferences. #cubuffs.” It did not take the Buffs’ fans much time to realize what happened with Deion. The Buffs HC underwent 11 surgeries to fix his blood clotting in the past. Clogged arteries gave Deion a hard time. Things turned left, so much so that he had to part ways with his big toe and the next in line. So, what was the only option left now?

Yes, Deion Sanders relived the ghosts of the past returning to the OT room. Before the surgery, the Buffs’ head coach said, “It’s a long procedure, but I’m having it today. Prayerfully, I’ll be right back tomorrow. I don’t like missing practice. We knew what it was, and I’ve got a great team of doctors and trainers making sure I’m good.” The surgery, known as aspiration thrombectomy, which targeted clots in the popliteal and tibial arteries, lasted for four long hours. But within 16 hours, Deion came back for the Buffs’ practice. Will the universe stop testing him now and hand him a win?