KU football coach David Beaty still waiting on return of running back Taylor Cox

Two games into the 2015 season, Kansas football coach David Beaty said senior running back Taylor Cox is still working back from an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the 2014 season.

Cox, a sixth-year senior who also used a medical redshirt in 2013, was a limited participant in spring football and took part in some aspects of fall camp. But he has yet to see action this season.

“Hopefully we can get him in when he’s completely ready,” Beaty said on Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “I think the big thing is making sure he’s ready (and) not pressing that too hard, too fast.”

In two games, KU has leaned on junior-college transfer Ke’aun Kinner and senior De’Andre Mann in the backfield. Kinner racked up 270 yards in losses against South Dakota State and Memphis, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Mann has added 49 yards in 14 carries. Beaty, though, remains hopeful that Cox will be able to contribute in some fashion this season. For now, though, KU is taking a cautious approach.

“We’ve seen (what) happens particularly with some of the injuries he’s had to go through,” Beaty said. “(We) just got to get him to where he’s ready to go.”

▪ Junior receiver Joshua Stanford (ankle) and sophomore receiver Bobby Hartzog (concussion) are also recovering from injuries, Beaty said Tuesday. Hartzog will likely return for Saturday’s game at Rutgers, while Stanford remains a game-time decision, Beaty said.

“We see how he moves around today and tomorrow,” Beaty said.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "KU football coach David Beaty still waiting on return of running back Taylor Cox."