LaMichael James Leaves Practice, Can Oregon Beat Arizona State Without Him?

LaMichael James suffered a brutal injury to his elbow last week and it was determined to be dislocated and no break.

That was great news for Oregon fans, but what may be even better news is what was tweeted earlier by reporter Adam Jude of The Register-Guard: “LaMichael James left Oregon practice in uniform but with a soft wrap/cast around his right arm.”

If James is already in a soft cast with four days until Oregon's big game against Arizona State, he could conceivably play.

How much does his injury affect the Ducks’ chances Saturday night?

It is far from a “he plays or we lose” situation.

Oregon has no shortage of running backs with Kenjon Barner, De’Anthony Thomas and Tra Carson who are each averaging 5.6 yards per carry or more. The Ducks also help themselves when it comes to injuries because they run more of a system than relying on the talent of an individual player—no matter how good he is.

Additionally, the game is being played at Oregon in a night game which already puts Arizona State in a bind. It has not played particularly well on the road in recent years, going 2-8 in the past two years while on the road.

Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest and most intimidating places to play in the entire country and a night game only amplifies the craziness of it all.

Oregon put up 42 points on the Sun Devils last year in Arizona and there’s no reason to think it can’t put up at least similar numbers, with or without LaMichael James.

The biggest question for this team is whether or not it can stop Brock Osweiler from putting up a bunch of yards and points. Do that and there doesn’t look like any way the Ducks can lose, with or without James.