Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan sit out second scrimmage in a row
When fans hear that their top two running backs didn’t play in a scrimmage, the reflex is worry. After last year’s gut punch — watching Chip Trayanum go down with an injury before Week 1 and miss nearly the entire season — seeing an empty backfield in August feels like déjà vu.
This time, the absences were Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell. McGowan, the transfer from New Mexico State with one of the more inspiring journeys to Lexington, was sidelined. Dowdell, the talented addition from Nebraska, missed his second straight scrimmage. That’s two headliners out of action, and naturally, questions followed.
But Coach Stoops was quick to settle nerves. “McGowan is out right now. Hopefully, he’ll be back Monday, Tuesday, sometime this week but he’s out right now,” Stoops explained. And then came the most important phrase: “I don’t anticipate anything long-term there.”
That’s the key. These aren’t season-altering injuries, just the careful management of players who matter most when the lights come on. Stoops emphasized the importance of keeping the roster healthy overall, noting that the team escaped the scrimmage without any new major injuries.
It’s worth noting that August isn’t about showcasing stars in scrimmages. It’s about preparation, installing schemes, and keeping bodies fresh. Running backs especially take a pounding, and there’s no value in risking unnecessary hits before Week 1. If anything, the absence opened opportunities for younger backs and depth pieces to prove they can contribute.
And that may quietly be the silver lining. Kentucky has long prided itself on a deep running back tradition, from Benny Snell to Chris Rodriguez. Depth in the backfield has often been the difference in long SEC slates, and reps for reserves now could pay dividends later.
For now, the plan is clear: rest McGowan, rest Dowdell, and have them ready when it counts. If Stoops says there’s no long-term concern, fans can take that reassurance and exhale.