Here’s why K-State starters Keagan Johnson and Marques Sigle didn’t play against SEMO
A pair of notable Kansas State players were surprisingly wearing street clothes instead of football uniforms during a 45-0 victory over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Keagan Johnson, a wide receiver transfer from Iowa, and Marques Sigle, a defensive back newcomer from North Dakota State, were both unable to play for the Wildcats despite being listed as starters on the team’s depth chart.
It was an unsettling development for both players, who were expected to make big impacts in their debut game for the Wildcats after receiving praise for their play throughout training camp.
K-State football coach Chris Klieman explained why both players were unavailable after the Wildcats put the finishing touches on their season-opening win.
Johnson was dealing with an injury.
“He just was not available today,” Klieman said. “He got nicked up in practice earlier this week. It’s not severe. We will kind of be day-by-day with him.”
It is believed that K-State decided to take a cautious approach with Johnson after he was plagued by injury troubles while he played for the Hawkeyes. If that is the case, odds are good that he will be ready to play against Troy next weekend when the Wildcats return to the field for the second game of the year.
His status will be worth monitoring.
There is no such concern about Sigle. Klieman said he will be back in the lineup against the Trojans. His absence on Saturday was not injury related.
“We had him suspended for a game,” Klieman said. “Sigle is going to be our starting free safety next week. I’m excited for Sigle, because he’s a really good football player and he’ll get a chance to play next week.”
Klieman did not elaborate on why he chose to suspend Sigle for the first game of the season.
In any case, fans will be excited to see both players whenever they take the field in a K-State uniform.
Johnson caught 20 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns during his time at Iowa. He is expected to lead the K-State receiving corps along with R.J. Garcia when he is healthy. Sigle made 51 tackles and three interceptions as a defensive player at North Dakota State.