When the Colorado State Rams close out nonconference play against the UTEP Miners on September 21, they’ll likely be without star wide receiver Tory Horton.
Horton, projected to be one of the top receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, suffered a groin injury in CSU’s 38-17 win over the Northern Colorado Bears on September 7.
Horton attempted to play through the injury in Colorado State’s 28-9 win against rival Colorado Buffaloes but was mainly rendered ineffective due to the injury, recording two catches for 24 yards before being removed in the second half.
Speaking to the media during his weekly availability on Monday, CSU head coach Jay Norvell revealed that Horton would likely not be active for the UTEP game.
“I don’t believe Tory will play and probably shouldn’t have played last week. I’ve been around the kid a long time. He’s made of the right stuff. I knew if he could play, he would. I probably should have held him. It wasn’t his night to play,” Norvell said via The Fort Collins Coloradoan.
Horton has 10 receptions for 120 yards this season as the injury has slowed him down for the past two games. Ideally the receiver can use this week plus CSU’s Week 5 bye as a mini-break to get healthy before conference play begins.
After playing his first two collegiate seasons with the Nevada Wolf Pack, Horton transferred to CSU for the 2022 season. In 27 career games with the school, he’s caught 177 passes for 2,387 yards and 16 touchdowns.
