Injury update: Cornerback Darius Bracy doubtful for Toledo game
Central Michigan cornerback Darius Bracy attempts to strip the ball from a Western Michigan wide receiver Sept. 28 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo.
In Central Michigan's most important game of the season, almost everyone healthy as of late will be available to play.
However, the Chippewas will likely be without sophomore cornerback Darius Bracy, who sustained an injury on Nov. 2 against Northern Illinois.
Before CMU's Nov. 16 game against Ball State, first-year coach Jim McElwain said Bracy would be "another week away."
During the ensuing bye week, McElwain said Bracy was "biting at the bit" to get back on the field, but the training staff wouldn't allow him to play.
It has been two weeks, but Bracy is still not to full health with an undisclosed injury.
"On the injury front, Bracy's doubtful right now," McElwain said. "I'd be surprised if he'll be able to make it back."
Besides Bracy and tight end Joel Wilson, who has been out since Week 1 and won't play against the Rockets, the Chippewas are expected to be at full health.
"Joel is not going to be ready," McElwain said.
Along with true freshman cornerback Kyron McKinnie-Harper, a mainstay in the secondary, McElwain will start redshirt freshman Montrae Braswell at the other cornerback position in Bracy's place.
McElwain said CMU has practiced well throughout the week, and the players used the bye week to rest their bodies in preparation for the regular season finale.
"We're looking forward to getting out there and playing this game on Friday against a team we haven't beat in like 10 years," McElwain said. "We've got a lot to look forward to and get ready for as we move forward."
He made sure to remind his players it would be the last time walking into Kelly/Shorts Stadium with the 2019 team – a little extra motivation on top of the fact that the Mid-American Conference West Division title is on the line.
Winning against Toledo also comes with a trip to the MAC championship game at Ford Field.
"It's the last opportunity in our home stadium for this team to all be together," McElwain said. "We're looking forward to getting out and playing."
