Danny Scudero returns as Colorado faces Georgia Tech questions
Danny Scudero is back at practice and Colorado coach Deion Sanders says the star transfer is expected to play in the Sept. 3 opener at Georgia Tech, even as his lower-body recovery and limited contact work leave final snap counts as the main pregame question.
The Buffaloes open on the road against the Yellow Jackets with a revamped offense under new coordinator Brennan Marion. For fans tracking every camp update, the biggest storyline is whether danny scudero and fellow starter Kam Perry can contribute after missing time in fall camp. Coverage of the injury picture also sits alongside other market and sports alerts in our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Key Takeaways
- Sanders said Scudero is "most definitely going to play against Georgia Tech for sure," and the receiver returned to Wednesday practice in a yellow non-contact jersey.
- Scudero and Perry were listed as starters on Colorado's depth chart despite fall-camp absences; On3's Pete Nakos still framed Scudero as a game-time decision.
- Tight end Zach Atkins is dealing with a knee injury and was not listed as a starter; defensive linemen Ezra Christensen and Balasama Kamara will not play in 2026 after eligibility denials.
- Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT on Thursday, Sept. 3, with the game televised on ESPN.
Is Danny Scudero healthy enough to play against Georgia Tech?
Scudero dealt with a lower-body issue that left him on crutches, in a walking boot, and later on a scooter earlier in August, per DNVR reporting cited by Athlon Sports. He returned to practice Wednesday as a major step, though he had not yet resumed full-contact work at that point.
Sanders said during camp that Scudero was progressing and was "most definitely going to play against Georgia Tech for sure." Sports Illustrated noted On3's Pete Nakos still called him a game-time decision, so availability looks likely while workload remains unclear. Read more in the Sports Illustrated injury report.
What other Buffs injury and eligibility questions remain?
Kam Perry also returned to practice in a yellow non-contact jersey after missing fall-camp time. Both he and Scudero appear on the official depth chart as starters. Because the opener is against an ACC opponent rather than a Big 12 foe, Colorado does not have to release a formal weekly injury report.
Tight end Zach Atkins was not listed as a starter while managing a knee injury, according to DNVR's Scott Procter. On defense, Sanders' portal additions took a hit when Christensen and Kamara were denied additional eligibility seasons; Colorado is expected to lean on Toby Anene and Immanuel Ezeogu at defensive end without Kamara.
Why does the receiver room matter so much for week 1?
Scudero arrived after leading the country at San Jose State with 1,291 receiving yards on 88 catches and 10 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. Perry posted 976 yards and six scores at Miami (Ohio). Colorado also expects DeAndre Moore, Quentin Gibson, and Joseph Williams to be available.
Receivers coach Rashad Davis said he had waited months to see Moore, Williams, Scudero, and Perry on the field together. Sanders said he expected the full receiver rotation practicing by midweek ahead of Georgia Tech. Quarterback Julian Lewis will still have multiple targets Thursday whether or not every transfer plays a full complement of snaps.
Colorado enters the season after a 3-9 campaign, with FanDuel Sportsbook setting the Buffs' win total at 4.5 and outside projections placing them near the bottom of the Big 12. The Sept. 3 debut of Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve against a Georgia Tech attack featuring running back Justice Haynes is the first real measuring stick.