The health of Otega Oweh has been one of the most closely watched topics in Kentucky basketball circles over the past several weeks. The sophomore guard, who transferred to Lexington this offseason and is expected to play a critical role for Mark Pope’s first Kentucky squad, missed the end of summer workouts with what was initially an undisclosed injury. On Tuesday, Oweh himself finally shed light on the issue.
In an interview with Field of 68, Oweh revealed he is dealing with a turf toe injury, a painful condition that affects the ligaments around the big toe joint. It’s the same type of injury recently suffered by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, though Oweh emphasized that his case is less severe. Unlike Burrow, who required surgery, Oweh is on track to recover without going under the knife.
To ensure everything was being handled correctly, Oweh consulted with Dr. Robert Anderson, one of the nation’s leading foot specialists and the same doctor who evaluated Burrow earlier this week. After his evaluation, Oweh received encouraging news: his recovery timeline should be about two weeks.
That projection means Oweh will miss part of Kentucky’s current fall practice sessions, but if everything goes according to plan, he should be cleared to return in time for Big Blue Madness on October 11th, one of the program’s biggest annual events. A source confirmed to A Sea of Blue that the staff fully expects him to be available for the showcase.
While two weeks doesn’t sound long, the injury is still something to watch closely. Turf toe can be tricky, often lingering if not given proper rest and treatment. It has sidelined athletes across multiple sports for weeks, and in more serious cases, even months. For Kentucky, making sure Oweh is fully healthy before the regular season begins is more important than rushing him back.
Oweh’s presence is crucial for the Wildcats. Known for his defensive tenacity and explosive athleticism, he brings toughness and experience to a backcourt that will be central to Pope’s system. His ability to guard multiple positions and attack the rim makes him a versatile weapon who can impact games on both ends of the floor. With a new-look Kentucky roster that’s still building chemistry, having Oweh healthy and ready for the start of the season could make a significant difference.
Kentucky fans remember all too well how injuries have derailed promising seasons in the past. That’s why there’s both relief and caution with Oweh’s update: relief that surgery won’t be required, but caution that turf toe is not the type of injury to take lightly.
As the Wildcats gear up for a season filled with high expectations under Pope, Oweh’s health will continue to be a key storyline. If he’s back and close to full strength by Big Blue Madness, it will not only give fans their first glimpse of the team at full power but also ease concerns heading into the opening stretch of the schedule.
For now, the best news is this: barring any setbacks, Otega Oweh should be ready to go sooner rather than later—and Kentucky will need him.
