Louisville's Antonio Watts sidelined for the 2026 season due to injury
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 12:20 AM
Last updated Sep 25, 2026
Antonio Watts of the Louisville Cardinals will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a knee injury sustained during practice. The preseason All-American was a key player on the defense last season, earning All-ACC honors after registering 42 tackles and three interceptions. His absence poses a significant challenge for the Cardinals as they must adjust their defensive strategy. Backup options for the STAR position include Blake Ruffin and Ben Perry, with potential shifts among players to fill the gap. The Cardinals’ coaching staff will decide the defensive adjustments ahead of their next game on Saturday.
- •Antonio Watts injured his knee during practice.
- •He was a preseason All-American for the Cardinals.
- •Watts had 42 tackles and three interceptions last season.
- •Backup options include Blake Ruffin and Ben Perry.
- •Louisville will adapt its defense ahead of Saturday's game.
- 12:20 AMYahoo Sports — No. 16 Louisville loses Antonio Watts for season with knee injury
- 11:40 PMYahoo Sports — Louisville’s Antonio Watts to miss remainder of 2026 season
"U of L has announced that preseason All-American Antonio Watts will miss the remainder of the season because of a knee injury. A source with the program tells Card Chronicle that Watts suffered the injury in practice. Playing the STAR position on the Cardinal defense, Watts earned All-ACC honors in 2025 after logging 42 tackles, […]
"Linebacker and safety Antonio Watts will miss the rest of the season for the 16th-ranked Louisville Cardinals with an injured knee. Louisville announced the injury update Thursday night with a short statement. Watts played in each of the first three games for the Cardinals (2-1) and had seven tackles and a pass defensed.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 25, 2026, 12:20 AMNo. 16 Louisville loses Antonio Watts for season with knee injury
Linebacker and safety Antonio Watts will miss the rest of the season for the 16th-ranked Louisville Cardinals with an injured knee. Louisville announced the injury update Thursday night with a short statement. Watts played in each of the first three games for the Cardinals (2-1) and had seven tackles and a pass defensed.
- Yahoo SportsSep 24, 2026, 11:40 PMLouisville’s Antonio Watts to miss remainder of 2026 season
U of L has announced that preseason All-American Antonio Watts will miss the remainder of the season because of a knee injury. A source with the program tells Card Chronicle that Watts suffered the injury in practice. Playing the STAR position on the Cardinal defense, Watts earned All-ACC honors in 2025 after logging 42 tackles, […]
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