The Kansas State Wildcats’ 2025 football training camp has been a proving ground for new talent and returning veterans, but injuries have cast a shadow over the early sessions. Freshman tight end Linkon Cure, a five-star recruit and the highest-rated signee in program history, was spotted on Tuesday with a brace on his right knee, sidelining him from practice. According to reports from The Wichita Eagle, the injury is not considered serious, with Cure still able to participate in agility training alongside strength coaches. Head coach Chris Klieman remains optimistic, noting that Cure’s “physical tools” are evident despite the minor setback, and the Goodland, Kansas, native is expected to return to full practice soon, potentially in time for Friday’s media-open session.[](https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article311594552.html)
Redshirt freshman linebacker Asa Newsom, already familiar with the challenges of recovery, was absent from Tuesday’s practice, raising concerns about his status. Newsom, who suffered season-ending knee injuries in both 2023 and 2024, was on the sideline in street clothes, with Klieman indicating that his availability remains uncertain. The Waverly, Iowa, product, who recorded four tackles in seven games last season as a backup to Desmond Purnell, is a fan favorite for his leadership and resilience, as highlighted during K-State’s team-building exercises at Fort Riley. While no specific timeline was provided, Klieman expressed cautious optimism about Newsom’s progress, noting that the team is “more optimistic this week” compared to last.[](https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article311594552.html)[](https://kansasstate.rivals.com/news/chris-klieman-offers-injury-updates-on-linebackers-austin-moore-asa-newsom)[](https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/6/11/sports-extra-a-beautiful-process)
Other Wildcats dealing with injuries include defensive back Gunner Maldonado and offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick. Maldonado, an Arizona transfer expected to bolster the secondary, was also absent from Tuesday’s practice, with no clear timeline for his return as he works back from an undisclosed injury. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, showed positive signs, engaging with teammates from the sideline after missing time due to a “medical situation” earlier in camp. His presence, even in street clothes, marks progress, though his return to full participation remains unclear. The Wildcats’ depth is being tested early, particularly at linebacker, where the loss of Newsom and Beau Palmer in 2024 already strained the unit.[](https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article311594552.html)[](https://www.si.com/college/kstate/k-state-lb-asa-newsom-is-out-for-season-due-to-injury-01jbaesbc1q9)
With the season opener against UT-Martin looming, K-State is navigating these setbacks cautiously. Cure’s minor injury hasn’t dimmed expectations for the 6-foot-6 tight end, who is projected to be a mismatch nightmare with his 1,049 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns as a high school senior. Newsom’s absence, however, underscores the need for young linebackers like Rex Van Wyhe and Terry Kirksey to step up. As Klieman balances limited media access with camp intensity, the Wildcats are focused on ensuring their key players are ready for a demanding Big 12 schedule, with Cure’s flair and Newsom’s grit critical to their aspirations.[](https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article311594552.html)[](https://jugofsnyder.com/forget-everything-you-know-k-state-s-linkon-cure-is-here-to-shake-up-college-football-01jxpc7bhkzm)[](https://247sports.com/player/linkon-cure-46142479/)
