This 45-yarder against Oregon State last season is one of Juron Criner's 22 career TD receptions. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Arizona star receiver Juron Criner did not travel with the Wildcats on Wednesday for their game against Oklahoma State, according to a story at WildcatSportsReport.com.
A UA spokesman did not confirm Criner’s absence, texting that coach Mike Stoops would address the issue on Thursday.
Criner missed practice Monday and Tuesday for an undisclosed illness. Stoops said after Tuesday’s practice that Criner would travel for Thursday night’s game at the ninth-ranked Cowboys.
Criner’s unavailability is a huge loss for the Cats, who will be trying to keep pace with a high-powered Oklahoma State offense featuring quarterback Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon, who won the Biletnikoff Award last season as the nation’s leading receiver.
Criner caught 82 passes for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He opened 2011 with six receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown vs. NAU.
Also, second-string running back Daniel Jenkins is out for the second consecutive game because of an ankle injury, which means backup Ka’Deem Carey should get a chance to build off a solid debut against NAU.
Related: Who has to step up at wide receiver?
More pregame coverage:
Points aplenty needed to beat Oklahoma State
Matchups to watch; other pregame notes
Steps in the right direction: Jaime Salazar knows what to fix
Scott Terrell: This week in the Pac-12
Brad Allis: The answer man: Arizona’s offense