Stanford RB Bryce Love won't play vs. Kansas State due to injury

Running back Bryce Love,Christian McCaffrey's speedy sidekick in the Stanford backfield, will not play in the Cardinal's season opener against Kansas State on Friday night due to injury.

Head coach David Shawdid not disclose the exact nature of Love's injury, but the sophomore was seen in a walking boot at practice about 10 days ago. Love is no longer wearing the boot this week, and he has been participating in some individual work and Stanford's post-practice team stretches. The Cardinal hope to have him available after a bye week for their Sept. 17 contest against USC.

"He's making progress, it's just not as quick as we had hoped," Shaw said.

Love racked up 226 rushing yards, 250 receiving yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman in 2015, and his role is expected to increase significantly in 2016 with defenses keying on McCaffrey.

Redshirt freshman Cameron Scarlett will fill the spot behind McCaffrey in the Stanford backfield. The 220-pounder, who is the Cardinal's largest running back, will see his first college action against Kansas State.

"You've got to crack the egg sometime, and that'll be this Friday night for [Scarlett]," Shaw said. "He'll have a relatively limited role based on the game plan, but I'm excited for him."