4 days ago
Baylor loses RB Dawson Pendergrass to injury ahead of season opener vs. Auburn
The Baylor Bears suffered a major injury blow before their season opener against the Auburn Tigers later this month.
reports that Baylor running back Dawson Pendergrass has sustained a season-ending foot injury three weeks before the Bears begin the 2025 season against Auburn. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda called the injury a "misfortune" and shared that Pendergrass' injury will require surgery.
Pendergrass was projected to be the No. 2 back in Baylor's offense this season, but is considered to be a "1-2 punch" alongside the assumed starter Bryson Washington. The duo combined to rush for 1,699 yards last season with 18 touchdowns. Individually, Pendergrass added 671 yards and six scores to the total. According to Pro Football Focus data, Pendergrass gained 399 yards after contact last season while boosting 14 carries of over 10 yards, and 33 touches resulting in first downs.
Washington will remain the Bears' projected starting running back. Still, it is assumed that freshman Caden Knighten and redshirt freshman Joseph Dodds will pick up the production that Pendergrass was expected to carry this season. Knighten was the No. 30 running back of the 2025 recruiting cycle, and Dodds redshirted last season after suffering an injury of his own. Baylor lost a pair of running backs, Dominic Richardson and Richard Reese, to the transfer portal last offseason, the duo each produced over 1,000 yards during their time in Waco.
Aranda and the Bears will have just under three weeks to adjust their offensive game plan before taking the field for the first time in 2025. Auburn and Baylor will square off on Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. CT.
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