TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes provides an update on the injury status of important players.

TCU head coach Sonny Dykes provided positive updates regarding the injury status of key defensive players during his weekly media briefing. He announced that nose tackle Markis Deal, edge/linebacker Cooper McDonald, and defensive lineman Hakeem Ajijolaiya will be back in action this week as the team prepares to face Arizona. Deal has been sidelined since the victory over Texas Tech, while McDonald has not participated since the defeat against Houston in early October. Ajijolaiya sustained an injury early in the loss to Baylor. Dykes confirmed that Deal and McDonald returned to practice on Sunday, with Ajijolaiya fully participating by Tuesday. "Both of those guys will play. Markis and Cooper both practiced on Sunday and today. Hakeem was a little limited on Sunday but practiced today," he stated.

"I would anticipate all three of them being available." The absence of these players has been felt in the run defense, particularly during the loss to Baylor, where the team allowed 257 rushing yards. Dykes emphasized that their return should invigorate the defensive line. "It's a significant development; we were somewhat thin on the defensive front," he remarked regarding their return. "Cooper was performing exceptionally well, and Markis has shown considerable improvement, while Hakeem was fulfilling an important role. As they were out, we became younger and less experienced up front, so it's beneficial to have everyone back. This will certainly enhance our depth and provide a boost defensively." Dykes also noted that Deal, McDonald, and Ajijolaiya are the only three players anticipated to return from injury this season.