College Football Injuries: Updating LaMichael James, Tyler Bray and More

Oregon's LaMichael James suffered what could have been a potential season-ending injury after he dislocated his elbow in Thursday's contest against California, though he vowed he will return this season.  

James is one of the most explosive players in the country with Michigan's Denard Robinson and he was not the only All-American-caliber player who was injured. 

Clemson's Tajh Boyd, Texas Tech's Eric Stephens, UCLA's Richard Brehaut and Ohio State's Braxton Miller were all dinged up and all of their seasons could be in jeopardy. 

The BCS rankings come out next weekend so you have to imagine fans across the nation would prefer to have their horses down the stretch of conference play. I give an update on every player of when they may be back and what type of impact it has on their team for the rest of the season.

LaMichael James

According to Oregon Live, LaMichael James suffered a dislocated right elbow after a play in which he appeared to have rushed for a 30-plus-yard touchdown. 

He was ruled out of bounds and on the very next play his elbow was popped out of place and he immediately left the field to the locker room to get X-rays.

The injury does NOT look to be season-ending and James vowed that he will return in Eugene at some point this season. He did not allude to returning immediately against Arizona State next weekend, but the Ducks could do without James for a few weeks.

The schedule is very favorable with Arizona State, Colorado and Washington State all in their next three games. The Ducks could use Kenjon Barner a ton in the backfield and they have been productive with Darron Thomas.

These Ducks have been high-flying and cannot be stopped in the Pac-12 at the moment and taking James' word for it, I have confidence that Oregon will not be tested until we get to November.   

Status: Doubtful vs. Arizona State (elbow)

Tajh Boyd

Tajh Boyd was carted off the field (hip) against Boston College, but he gave a thumbs up as he left the field. Some thought Clemson's star signal-caller would miss significant time.

However, all signs point to Tigers QB missing zero playing time. He was able to walk on his own power which explains that he should be more than likely good to go.

According to USA Today, Clemson really has nothing to worry about with Boyd coming back, but the team certainly had a scare with their soon-to-be ACC Player of the Year getting carted off (precautionary).

The Tigers remain the top choice in the ACC and they have the schedule to perhaps go undefeated, including their ACC Championship Game. Clemson is a tremendous darkhorse to go all the way; perhaps though they would need a ton of help from the SEC and Big Ten/Big 12 winner.

Status: Expected to start vs. Maryland (probable)

Braxton Miller

The Buckeyes allowed the Nebraska Cornhuskers to pull off the greatest comeback in Nebraska program history. 

The Buckeyes freshman sensation was taken down by Lavonte David at the end of the third quarter where his ankle buckled/sprained while getting tackled.

Miller and the Buckeyes had all the momentum, leading by three touchdowns over the Cornhuskers in Lincoln.

The status of the freshman is no longer in doubt as ESPN says he will still start against Illinois next weekend. Joe Bauserman replaced him and struggled mightily as the Buckeyes suffered a brutal one-touchdown loss.

They desperately needed a victory in the Big Ten and the future could be bleak if the ankle of Miller does not heal quickly.

Status: Expected to start vs. Illinois (ankle)

Richard Brehaut

Fox Sports has reported Richard Beahaut could miss the rest of the season after fracturing his ankle in last night's game against Washington State in their near victory.

He was carried off the field after he got belted on a five-yard run. "It's tough," Brehaut said after X-rays in the locker room confirmed the fracture in his lower left leg. "I was kind of establishing myself as the quarterback and then for something like this to happen."

It was tough since he just beat out Kevin Prince, who ended up throwing two huge touchdowns to pull off the victory over Washington State. 

"Hopefully, I can be back in time and can play again this season," Brehaut said. "I don't know exactly a timetable, but I'm hopeful that I can be back."

The Bruins are on the verge of missing a bowl game which could result in the firing of Rick Neuheisel, but the Bruins certainly need to get more consistency with their offense as a whole to have any chance at winning six or seven games. 

Update: Doubtful for this weekend and season (fractured ankle)

Eric Stephens

After their tough loss to Texas A&M last night, the Red Raiders are still in the hunt of making a bowl game. However, the Red Raiders lost 45-40 to the Aggies and also lost their star running back Eric Stephens (knee).

Lubbock Online has reported that Stephens season is indeed serious jeopardy. There was no immediate report on the extent of the injury, but Tech coach Tommy Tuberville said, “It doesn’t look good.”

I think it goes without saying that the Red Raiders are a passing offense still these days, but they leaned heavily on their starting runner.

“Obviously, he’s been very productive,” Tech quarterback Seth Doege said. “He’s been maybe the best offensive player on this team. He’s a great guy, great leader, so it’s going to hurt.”

Without Stephens, the Red Raiders will look for senior Aaron Crawford to carry the bulk of the load. Stephen did have over 20 carries and 100 yards in four of their first five games, so this is a devastating loss since this knee injury could sideline him for the rest of the season.

The medical staff had to immobilize his leg/knee and he then was put on a cart as he flashed the Texas Tech gun signs, thought it does not look good.

Status: Doubtful for weekend (knee) 

Tyler Bray

ESPN has reported that Tennessee Volunteer quarterback Tyler Bray will be expected to miss six weeks after breaking his thumb against a stout Georgia defense.

There is nothing more nagging than breaking a thumb when it goes right into a facemask/helmet into a opposing player. 

The Vols remember were already without one of their star receivers Justin Hunter, and they have zero running game from an injured Tauren Poole (hamstring).

This Tennessee looks to be a year or two away from being legit SEC East contenders, but they must be able to right the ship with Matt Simms or else making a bowl game may be too tough to accomplish.