James Franklin Injury: Updates on Missouri QB's Knee

The Missouri Tigers are in a tight battle with the Vanderbilt Commodores in Columbia. The last several minutes have been costly, as they've lost the lead and their quarterback.

Per a Vanderbilt tweet, James Franklin is out and will not return to the game.

"

QB James Franklin sprained his knee and will not return.

— VandyFootball (@VandyFootball) October 7, 2012"

This is a big loss for Missouri. They lean on Franklin to help in the ground game as well as with passing. He left midway through the first quarter having gone 5/9 for 56 yards and leading a pair of field goal drives. 

UPDATE: Saturday, October 6, at 11:05 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The knee injury to Missouri's James Franklin will cause him to miss time. 

Dave Matter of the Columbia Daily Tribune reported via Twitter that head coach Gary Pinkel believes the injury will keep the quarterback out for two weeks. 

"

Pinkel: Strained MCL for James Franklin, out two weeks

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 7, 2012"

---End of update---

Franklin also had a 23-yard rush on Missouri's second possession.

He is back on the sidelines but is no longer in uniform.

"

Left knee sprain for Franklin, per TV broadcast. He will not return. Already in sweats on the sideline. #Mizzou

— B.J. Rains (@BJRains) October 7, 2012"

Freshman quarterback Corbin Berkstresser has struggled in place of Franklin. He showed his nerves early, completing just 1/8 for six yards to start the game.

He started to find a rhythm at the end of the half, completing 3/5 passes for 23 yards. However, he couldn't connect on a 4-and-1 play with 11 seconds remaining.

The Tigers will need to turn to Kendial Lawrence and the ground game in the second half, trailing 9-6. They will also need to adjust their game plan and mix in a few swing passes and try to build they youngster's confidence with short passes.

Berkstresser finished the half 4/14 for 29 yards.

Stay tuned for the latest news regarding Franklin's knee injury.

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Darin Pike is a writer for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team and a Featured Columnist covering the NFL and Seattle Seahawks.