Baylor WR Corey Coleman, RB Shock Linwood out for bowl game

Baylor will be without two of its top offensive players in the Russell Athletic Bowl against North Carolina.

Bears head coach Art Briles confirmed to reporters Saturday that both wide receiver Corey Coleman and running back Shock Linwood will not be available against the Tar Heels on Dec. 29 in Orlando.

Coleman, this season’s Biletnikoff Award winner, is set to undergo sports hernia surgery on Monday, Briles said. Coleman had 74 catches for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Briles said Coleman has been dealing with the hernia for the past month or so, so they decided moving forward with the surgery was the best course of action.

Coleman, a junior, announced earlier this month that he intends to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Linwood, a junior, had surgery on his injured foot last week and also will be held out against the Tar Heels. Linwood rushed for 1,329 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Additionally, Briles confirmed that quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who broke his ankle against Oklahoma State on Nov. 21, also will not play. Chris Johnson will start. Johnson suffered a concussion in the Bears’ season finale against Texas, but Briles said he will be ready to play. 

For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.

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