Expectations were set sky-high for Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards entering this year, as he proved to be a big-time playmaker last season behind fellow running back and now Indianapolis Colt DJ Giddens. He was expected to be a major catalyst in a push for the Big 12 Title this season.

Edwards however didn’t even total one carry in Saturday’s 24-21 loss to No. 22 Iowa State, as he was injured on a first-quarter punt, which was recovered by the Cyclones deep in the red zone. He didn’t return to the field from there and went back toward the locker room for further evaluation.

Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman revealed that Edwards wouldn’t return to the game at halftime, which was the case. Postgame, he was once again asked the status of the Derby, KS native.

“I don’t know,” Klieman said. “They told me after the first couple of plays he was no longer available.”

Joe Jackson and DeVon Rice split snaps in Edwards’ absence

In Edwards’ absence, running backs Joe Jackson and DeVon Rice split snaps out of the backfield. Jackson and Rice totaled 60 yards on 17 carries. Quarterback Avery Johnson scored the Wildcats’ lone rushing touchdown of the game.

Edwards was a highly rated recruit when he arrived at Colorado in 2023. The Buffaloes leaned heavily on the passing game that year, but he still led the team with 321 rushing yards and a touchdown before entering the transfer portal.

In 2024, Edwards proved to be a strong No. 2 option behind Giddens in the K-State backfield. He ran for 546 yards and five touchdowns while also totaling 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. If he is to miss time this season, it would come as a massive blow to the Wildcat offense.

Following the loss, Kansas State opens the season 0-1 for the first time since 2020 (lost to Arkansas State in season opener). Even more importantly however, it already finds itself one game back in the race for the Big 12 crown. The Wildcats were the odds on favorite to win the conference heading into the season.