Cincinnati’s impressive season-opening win over UCLA Thursday was tempered somewhat by an injury update on a defensive starter.
This past Tuesday, Luke Fickell revealed that redshirt junior James Wiggins had “tweaked his knee” during practice the day before. Following the Bearcats’ 24-14 win, the head coach confirmed that the starting safety will be sidelined for the entire 2019 season because of a significant knee injury.
Following rehab on the torn ACL, Wiggins should be able to be at least a limited participant in spring practice next year. Provided he doesn’t declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, of course.
A three-star 2016 signee, Wiggins took a redshirt as a true freshman before playing in 10 games the following season. This past season served as a breakout season for Wiggins as he started 12 of 13 games for the Bearcats and led the team in interceptions with four. He was also third in passes defensed with nine.
Following the 2018 regular season, the Florida native earned second-team All-AAC honors.
