Colorado football likely to be without key offensive player against Georgia Tech

We're just 10 days away from Colorado's season opener next Friday night at home against Georgia Tech. The matchup with the Yellow Jackets will be a perfect litmus test for Deion Sanders to see the quality of the 2025 Buffaloes and if they are going to be good enough to be competitive in a deep Big 12 this season.

Unfortunately, Colorado is likely to be without a key offensive piece.

According to Scott Procter with DNVR Buffs, redshirt junior running back Dallan Hayden is dealing with a hand injury that will hold him out for a couple of weeks, likely to include the season opener against Georgia Tech:

Colorado's RB depth will be tested without Dallan Hayden

Hayden, an Ohio State transfer, was in line for a big role on Colorado's offense as part of a three-headed monster in the backfield. Hayden struggled to find his footing in Boulder last season, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, but that had as much to do with below-average offensive line play as anything else. Colorado was the worst rushing offense in the FBS last season.

Coach Prime and OC Pat Shurmur intend for that to change in a major way this season. With a revamped offensive line, a dual-threat QB in Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, and a talented stable of running backs, the Buffaloes could take a major leap and be one of the top rushing offenses in the Big 12.

Hayden was likely third in the pecking order in the backfield behind Micah Welch and Incarnate Word transfer Dekalon Taylor, but you can never really have enough healthy running backs, especially when all signs point toward the Buffaloes being more of a running team in 2025.

Welch flashed as a freshman a year ago, producing 186 yards and four touchdowns on over four yards per carry.

Taylor has been the talk of fall camp with his explosive play ability and versatility. Taylor was a walking big play at Incarnate Word, and he has had no trouble adjusting to an increase in competition so far. In Colorado's last scrimmage, Taylor had an eye-opening run where he made Buffs defenders look absolutely silly in the open field. Nicknamed "Trackhawk" for a reason, Taylor is in line for a big year. But he's also going to be utilized in the slot and on special teams, so Colorado will need another back to step up in Hayden's absence.

That back is likely to be senior Simeon Price, who transferred from Coastal Carolina after previously spending two seasons at Mississippi State. Welch and Taylor will get the bulk of the work, but with Hayden out, it opens up an opportunity for Price.