Kentucky’s running backs sit, but Stoops preaches patience

UCLA v Nebraska | Steven Branscombe/GettyImagesWhen fans hear that their top two running backs didn’t play in a scrimmage, the reflex is worry. After last year’s gut punch — watching Chip Trayanum go down with an injury before Week 1 and miss nearly the entire season — seeing an empty backfield in August feels like déjà vu.

This time, the absences were Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell. McGowan, the transfer from New Mexico State with one of the more inspiring journeys to Lexington, was sidelined. Dowdell, the talented addition from Nebraska, missed his second straight scrimmage. That’s two headliners out of action, and naturally, questions followed.

But Coach Stoops was quick to settle nerves.…