LaMichael James Injury: Why Oregon Ducks Shouldn't Panic over Star RB's Elbow

LaMichael James suffered a dislocated elbow in Oregon's Thursday night 43-15 win over California, but Duck fans should feel no danger about missing the BCS this year.

The Ducks are blazing fast on both sides of the ball with extremely talented players, and their schedule isn't all that difficult in the coming weeks. It's unknown how long James will be out, but other players will easily step up to help Oregon win.   

It was a nasty injury, and if you wish to see the video you can check it out here in Bleacher Report's Daily Radar. 

Why James was even in the game in the fourth quarter is beyond me. I understand maybe wanting to pad your stats to further increase the chances of winning the Heisman, but the Ducks were up 36-15 at this point and James had already rushed for 239 yards and a touchdown.

Is there really a need to be in the game here just to grab another touchdown run?

James has rushed for 200-plus yards in three straight games now, and it's very puzzling as to why he was on the field in that situation. 

Nobody can change the fact that he was out there, and now the Ducks must deal with this unexpected injury. 

However, don't think for a second that Oregon is now out of the BCS picture because this team has talent all over, which was evident last night.  

First off, James told reporters after the game that he believes he'll be alright. Per ESPN:

"

It's not a season-ending injury and I'll be fine. I'm tough. I'm a warrior and I'm never going to quit on my team.

We're gonna wait and see. We have the best trainers in the country and I'm sure they are going to get on it ASAP and I'll be there four times a day so I can get on that field. 

"

This is good news because the injury looked a whole lot worse than how James is feeling right now.

As the Ducks' top player, he will be greatly missed for however long he is out, but Oregon will be just fine while he heals.

George Schroeder of The Register Guard in Eugene tweeted very early Friday morning some potentially good news about James that he had the same injury in high school and played the next week.

Since he's gone through a similar injury before, it's not as frightening because he knows he will ultimately be OK.

Expect to see a lot more of Kenjon Barner and the freshman sensation DeAnthony Thomas while James is on the sidelines getting back to full health.  

Thomas is leading the Ducks in the receiving with 17 receptions for 286 yards and four touchdowns, two of which came against Cal on Thursday night, and he is also second on the team in rushing.

Oregon may miss out on a Heisman Trophy this season, but the Ducks' focus is to get to the BCS, and that, my friends, is well within their grasp, despite James' recent injury.