March Madness Round Two: Last-Minute Key Injury Updates

• P.J. Washington was surprisingly out for Kentucky’s opener
• Purdue’s Nojel Eastern rolled his ankle in warmups and didn’t start for, but got in 10 minutes of action
• Duke played without Jack White in their Round of 64 contest

There are a number of key injuries that could impact the second round of March Madness. The biggest of the bunch is Kentucky’s P.J. Washington, who missed the team’s first game and looks like he’ll be out again when the Wildcats face a very dangerous Wofford team.

Let’s start there as we recap a few important players who are banged up right now:

P.J. Washington, Kentucky Wildcats

The first thing to note with this injury is not to believe anything until you see it with your own eyes.

At first, they told us that P.J. Washington wasn’t really injured. He supposedly had a walking boot for precautionary reasons and the MRI was clean. He was expected to play. However, once the Wildcats first-round game started, Washington was out and during an in-game report, it was described that he’s in a lot of pain.

Reid Travis being a monster tonight. pic.twitter.com/otBI1cdoUj

— Not Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton2) March 21, 2019

Washington told CBS’ sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl (before the game) that the injury is on the bottom of his foot and that on a scale of 1-10, the pain is a 10. That’s not a good sign. The good news is the team is being far more accurate with the reporting as Washington has basically been ruled out.

Kentucky plays Wofford in the Round of 32 and they’ll have to find with him.

Nojel Eastern, Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue suffering a major injury that impacts their Final Four chances? You don’t say.

The school that has had to deal with Glenn Robinson’s back, Robbie Hummel’s knee and Isaac Haas’ elbow is now wondering about Nojel Eastern’s ankle. He rolled his ankle in warmups and missed most of the team’s first-round contest. The guard is fourth on the team in scoring (7.5) but is actually their leading rebounder (5.6).

Guess who’s back…

Nojel Eastern has returned. ? pic.twitter.com/LhWCFbD0TW

— Jimmy Lafakis (@JJLII30) March 22, 2019

The good news is that he did get 10 minutes of action in the game. From what we know, he’s a full-go for Saturday’s game against Villanova, so don’t worry about it too much…unless you’re a Purdue fan and feel the school is cursed with injuries.

Phil Cofer, Florida State

Cofer didn’t suffer a physical injury but he was surely wounded after he found out that his dad had died. He was told shortly after the team’s first-round win over Vermont.

Florida State senior Phil Cofer found out after Thursday’s 76-69 win over Vermont that his father died. https://t.co/kxXGSzIhhf

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 22, 2019

The New York Post has reported that Cofer will stay with the team. Head coach Leonard Hamilton has stated that it’s been very difficult for the team to deal with as everyone has been very emotional. We’re not sure whether this will bring the team together or serve as a distraction, but he will be in the lineup.

Next up for Florida State is a matchup against No. 12 Murray State.

Jack White, Duke Blue Devils

Jack White missed the team’s opening game with a hamstring injury. It’s not like they needed him as they mopped the floor with North Dakota State, winning 85-62. What’s slightly concerning is that he was in sweats, so – by appearance alone – it doesn’t look like he’s close.

Cool moment as Jack White breaks out of his three-point slump, sending Duke fans into a frenzy. pic.twitter.com/Owk6U2fkRA

— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) March 2, 2019

We don’t have an update as of now but the best guess is that he’s doubtful for Sunday’s game. The Blue Devils should be fine without him, so look for them to rest him and give him another week to get ready.

Justin Robinson, Virginia Tech

Robinson didn’t start in Va Tech’s 66-52 demolition of Saint Louis, but he looked just dandy coming off the bench. He went for 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 28 minutes of action.

Consider him back. And consider the Hokies a very dangerous #4 seed.