Week 5 College Football Injury Report: Latest News and Updates

With conference play quickly arriving, college football games are getting tougher and tougher for each team in the country.

No longer will contenders be playing community colleges or middle schools; this time of year is when the big boys make their mark.

So with these matchups no longer easy, injuries are kind of a big deal.

There are many key players that have been questionable all week long, and with kickoff just a few hours away, here are some of the latest updates.

Shawne Alston Will Play

Speedy running back Shawne Alston will play for the West Virginia Mountaineers, according to Tony Caridi of the Mountaineer Sports Network.

"

Says he expects Shawne Alston to play.

— TonyCaridi (@TonyCaridi) September 25, 2012"

West Virginia opens up Big 12 play today against Baylor, and Alston has been dealing with a thigh injury during the week.

Jordan Hicks Will Not Play for Texas

Starting Texas linebacker Jordan Hicks did not make the trip to Oklahoma State this week, according to Gina Mizell of NewsOK.com.

Hicks is suffering from a hip injury, which will be a huge loss for this Longhorns defense.

The junior currently leads the team with 23 tackles on the season.

Wes Lunt Remains Questionable

While Texas is dealing with injuries, Oklahoma State may have to play the game without its starting quarterback.

Freshman Wes Lunt has been dealing with a knee injury, but head coach Mike Gundy will not make the news official on whether he will play in the game, according to Sports Illustrated.

"

Okla St.'s Gundy mum on Lunt's status vs. Texas on.si.com/QALVFi

— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) September 28, 2012"

This will be interesting.

Montee Ball Will Play

Heisman candidate running back Montee Ball has gotten off to a slow start for Wisconsin, as he has been dealing with multiple injuries.

He left last week’s game with a head injury, but has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against Nebraska, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.

For a struggling offense, getting Ball back is terrific news.

Sammy Watkins Out for Clemson

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has only played in two games this season due to being suspended, and he will miss Saturday's game against Boston College due to an illness.

According to the Associated Press, via ESPN, the sophomore playmaker has developed an abdominal virus and will not play against the 1-2 Eagles.

The good news is that the Tigers are used to playing without him and likely won't need him to win this game.

MarQueis Gray Is Out Again

Minnesota has jumped out to a 4-0 start, but it will have its toughest test yet against Iowa.

The Golden Gophers will also have to play that game without starting quarterback MarQueis Gray, who will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury.

According to Phil Miller of the Star Tribune, it will be Max Shortell that takes over once again for the dual-threat quarterback.

Josh Huff Is Doubtful

Good thing Oregon has an explosive offense, because the Ducks will likely play Saturday's game against Washington State without wide receiver Josh Huff.

According to the injury report at DonBest.com, the junior wide receiver has been downgraded to doubtful with a knee injury.

Zaviar Gooden Is Out

The Missouri Tigers will play a feisty UCF team Saturday, but they will do so without starting linebacker Zaviar Gooden.

According to Iliana Limón Romero of the Orlando Sentinel, the senior has been ruled out of Saturday's game with a hamstring injury. 

He has an interception and 15 tackles in three games.

Maxwell Smith Will Play

Starting Kentucky quarterback Maxwell Smith missed the brutal beatdown last week by Florida, but he will be ready to play Saturday against South Carolina.

According to SurfKY News, the dual-threat quarterback has recovered from his shoulder injury and will be ready to lead his 1-3 Kentucky Wildcats.

Smith is completing 68 percent of his passes and has thrown for eight touchdowns.

Chris Gragg Is Out

As if things couldn't get worse for the Arkansas Razorbacks, tight end Chris Gragg will miss Saturday's game against Texas A&M.

According to Nate Allen of BaxterBulletin.com, the senior will not play due to a bone bruise in his leg.

Gragg has been one of the bright spots for this football team, hauling in 19 passes for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns.