Season-ending injuries for two TEs, top WR opting out?

Jimbo Fisher held his weekly press conference on Thursday, and confirmed the season-ending injuries for tight ends Baylor Cupp (shoulder) and Blake Smith (knee). Both players required surgery and will not return for the 2020 season.

Tight end seemed to be a position of particular strength headed into fall camp, with Cupp set to join 2019 starter Jalen Wydermyer in creating some matchup nightmares for SEC defenses. But Wydermyer is seemingly now backed up by only grad student Ryan Renick and former defensive linemen Max Wright. Wydermyer appears to be the clear-cut starter, but the team is suddenly one more injury away from being very thin at a position that Fisher’s offense likes to utilize.

Fisher also hinted at Jhamon Ausbon taking a leave of absence from the team. While he would not say anything definitive, it seems like Ausbon opting out of the 2020 season is certainly a possibility. You can view the full video below.