Sean Chambers injures leg in Wyoming opener
Broken leg ends Chambers season.
Contact/Follow @MWCwire
Wyoming down a QB
The excitement of the opening weekend in Wyoming football lasted just three plays this past Saturday in Reno, when Sean Chambers, Wyoming’s sophomore quarterback, was sacked and received a potentially season ending injury to his left fibula.
The Cowboys were just three plays into the opening drive, of the opening game, of the 2020 season, when Chambers was tackled in the backfield to force a three and out. The result of the tackle left Chambers in a situation that has become all too prevalent in his young career, a possible season ending leg injury.
CBS Sports’ on-field audio mics picked up Chambers’ agonized groans, as cameras showed him gripping his left leg. It felt like deja vu to many Cowboy fans who had seen similar scenes from the past two seasons which forced him to the sidelines after he had broken his fibula, and torn ligaments in his knee.
As he laid on the ground, punching the turf in frustration, it almost became too tough to watch. Chambers has been a fan favorite due to his toughness, having already rallied back from the other two season ending injuries, this was supposed to be his year.
The Cowboys were set to roll out a new offense, with Chambers and Levi Williams both taking plays at quarterback. Those plans had to be scrapped after just 1:11 into the season. The Cowboys lost their leader and a big part of their offensive game plan in seconds.
Chambers has been, arguably, the heart and soul of this young Wyoming team. His battle to return to play, despite injuries, has been inspirational to his teammates, who hold him in high regard.
Chambers’ injury cast a shadow that loomed largely over the Wyoming sideline for most of the game. His teammates, like many fans, were feeling dejected following yet another injury to the talented quarterback.
Without Chambers under center, the Cowboys couldn’t find their stride. They were being beaten on both sides of the ball, and weren’t playing with any sort of urgency.
Nevada went out to an early lead, and despite forcing a couple of Nevada turnovers, the Cowboys were caught off guard numerous times.
Wyoming was able to turn things around though in the fourth quarter with Williams under center and rallied from a 27-6 deficit by scoring 28 unanswered points to force overtime before ultimately losing.
What changed in that time? Chambers was now on the sideline, albeit in crutches, helping to guide his team as best as he could.
Chambers’ presence on that sideline changed something for the team. His arrival, while not in uniform, helped spark the fire that drove the team back, and made the momentum shift in Wyoming’s favor for the first time.
His position as an injured captain, is a role that he has had to play far too often, but it is also something that speaks to the character that he has. That never quit attitude has endeared himself to his teammates, and made him a fan favorite.
The day following the game, Chambers took to instagram to issue a message to the Wyoming faithful.
While he may have suffered yet another blow, Chambers will continue to lead the team in whatever capacity that he can.
He is a great athlete, but more so he is a great competitor. I don’t know what his future holds in terms of playing at a high level again, but I’m not going to bet against it. For now I’ll wait with bated breath for his eventual return from injuries, and to see him play the game again.
