BREAKING: Kentucky football running back ‘Chip’ Trayanum breaks hand, likely to miss season opener

Sara Gibson, Football Beat Reporter

August 13, 2024

Kentucky running back DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum runs the ball during the Kentucky Blue-White Spring football game on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Sydney Yonker | Staff

Kentucky running back DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum has broken his hand and is expected to miss 1-2 games to start the season.

The news was first reported by Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and later confirmed by UK Athletics.

Kentucky running back DeaMontae Trayanum (4) runs with the ball during the Kentucky Blue-White Spring football game on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Samuel Colmar | Staff (Samuel Colmar)

It was said that running back “by committee” was already seemingly the plan for new offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s offense, but it will be forced to start without perhaps one of the strongest backs in that rotation.

Trayanum’s injury, which occurred during practice, is expected to put him out for the season opener against Southern Miss and possibly the SEC opener against South Carolina, though it is possible more games may be missed.

Trayanum transferred to Kentucky with 1,157 rushing yards between his time with Ohio State and Arizona State while also piling up 13 touchdowns.

Most of his carries will likely be handled by Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who is headed into his second year with the Wildcats.

Without Trayanum on the field, Jamarion Wilcox or James Patterson are likely the two names Kentucky fans should keep their eyes on for a potential “RB2” during his absence.

Kentucky football will kick off its 2024 campaign on Saturday, August 31, at Kroger Field against Southern Miss. Kick off against the Golden Eagles is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET and will air live on the SEC Network.