While there were multiple reports earlier this year that a severe medical situation could sideline Arizona’s Juron Carter for an extended period of time, perhaps even the season, it was smooth sailing for the All-Pac-10 receiver for summer camp and into the first game of the season.
That’s likely still the case heading into Week 2, although the combination of a short week and an undefined sickness makes for a situation that at least calls for keeping an eye on.
Criner has missed the Wildcats’ last two practices due to what’s only being described as an illness. If the Wildcats’ next game were a Saturday, this likely wouldn’t be an issue; as they play Thursday against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and it’s now Tuesday, it’s cause for at least a little bit concern. The Tucson Citizen added a little layer of intrigue to the situation, writing that "[a] UA official, asked after Monday’s practice, if Criner had attended, responded: “No comment” ... which sounds like something beyond a normal situation.”
He subsequently missed Tuesday’s practice as well.
That said, head coach Mike Stoops said he expects Criner to play. Or, as Stoops so eloquently put it, “If he’s ready to go, he’ll play.”
The Arizona Daily Star reports that Criner will still likely travel with the team to Oklahoma City Wednesday. The team will then head to Stillwater Thursday afternoon, hopefully with Criner in tow.
In the season opener this past Saturday, Criner caught six passes for 151 yards.