The Coloradoan reveals 'safe bet' about Shilo Sanders' return from injury

The Coloradoan's Scott Procter revealed the "safe bet" for Buffs safety Shilo Sanders' return to the field, whenever that may be: returning right back to his starting spot for his father, Deion Sanders, and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.

"Most coaches will say that players don't lose their spot due to injury, especially a player as experienced and productive (led the team in tackles last season) as Shilo Sanders,
Procter wrote. "That's why the safe bet is to assume that Shilo Sanders will return to his starting spot in the Buffs' secondary and Stoutmire will return to his backup role with valuable experience under his belt."

Shilo suffered a forearm injury during the first half against Nebraska and has missed three straight Buffs wins. "Redshirt week" -- the week many players looking to transfer took a redshirt to maintain eligibilitymoving forward before Week 5 -- decimated Colorado's secondary ranks, though, and Procter explained what Shilo can also do when he returns because of it.

Shilo Sanders can play more positions for Colorado's defense after injury return

Per Procter, more positional assignments can be in Shilo's future upon his injury return.

"There's also the possibility that Shilo Sanders could take over Trevor Woods' dime-package role on third downs," Procter prefaced before saying, "Deion Sanders said after the UCF win that Woods has chosen to redshirt, which means Shilo Sanders could potentially step into the hybrid, pass-covering position. It would allow Shilo Sanders to utilize his tackling skills closer to the line of scrimmage and Stoutmire to continue gaining confidence in the secondary."

Shilo was never going to be rushed back from injury with an NFL future on the line. He didn't come back against UCF for a good reason.

He'll be well-rested and re-integrated far easier after the bye week. K-State is a higher-caliber opponent than any of CU's past three opponents, so don't take a loss as a sign that Shilo's return is anything but a positive.