College Football Injury Update Week 8: Injury Updates for the Biggest Stars

Yesterday, South Carolina fans got the devastating news they had been fearing. Coach Steve Spurrier announced that star running back Marcus Lattimore would miss the rest of the season after suffering ligament and cartilage damage while trying to throw a block during the Gamecocks’ win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

Lattimore, who was in the early running for the Heisman, is one of college football’s few elite caliber running backs and he was the player who has really carried the offense so far this season, rushing for 818 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns.

His loss is a big blow to South Carolina’s hopes of winning the SEC East.

The Gamecocks have a bye week to deal with the sad news, and we’ll have to see how they perform without their star back at Tennessee on Oct. 29.

The loss of Lattimore isn’t the only big injury news in college football this week.

Here’s a look at the status of some big impact players, who could play key roles in this Saturday’s games.

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

Status: Questionable

As expected, LaMichael James did not play in Oregon’s victory over Arizona State this past weekend due to an elbow injury he experienced late in Oregon’s Week 6 win over Cal, but it sounds like James could return sometime in the near future.

He remains questionable for this weekend’s game at Colorado, but we should hear more about his status as the week wears on.

Considering this game is shaping up to be a blowout, though, don't be surprised if the coaches keep him out as a precaution.

QB Darron Thomas, Oregon

Status: Probable

Darron Thomas went down with a left knee injury during Oregon’s win over Arizona State this past weekend, but the Ducks were able to survive without him, as backup Bryan Bennett came in and played surprisingly well, leading Oregon to a 41-27 win.

There’s no definitive word about Thomas’ knee just yet, but the word out of Oregon’s practice is that he’s looking good and should be available on Saturday.

WR Kenny Stills, Oklahoma

Status: Probable

Oklahoma fans were awfully frightened when Kenny Stills went down awkwardly with a non-contact leg injury in Oklahoma’s win over Kansas this past weekend.

Stills, who is enjoying a solid sophomore campaign, is expected to be ready for Oklahoma’s game against Texas Tech this weekend.

WR Nick Toon, Wisconsin

Status: Probable

Nick Toon didn’t play in Wisconsin’s game against Indiana this past weekend because of a foot injury, but he’s expected to be fine for this Saturday’s big showdown at Michigan State.

Toon has been quarterback Russell Wilson’s favorite target this season and he currently leads the Badgers with 25 catches for 447 yards and six touchdowns.

RB Marc Tyler, USC

Status: Doubtful

Marc Tyler was knocked out of last Thursday night’s USC-Cal game with a dislocated shoulder and it’s doubtful that he’ll be ready for this weekend’s game against Notre Dame.

Tyler was the Trojans’ leading rusher, carrying the ball 83 times this season, and if he doesn’t play, second man in line, Curtis McNeal, will have to carry more of the load against a stingy Irish defensive front seven.

CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

Status: Questionable

Jayron Hosley suffered a hamstring injury during Virginia Tech’s game at Wake Forest and it’s unknown whether he’ll be ready for Saturday's game against Boston College.

Hosley, who already has three interceptions this season, is the clear-cut leader of the Hokies secondary, but luckily his presence wouldn’t be missed too much, since the Golden Eagles haven’t quite perfected the art of the forward pass yet this season, averaging just 203 passing yards per game.

WR Emory Blake, Auburn

Status: Questionable

Emory Blake, who has been suffering from an ankle injury for a few weeks, only played in one series during Auburn’s win over Florida this past weekend, but it sounds as if he should be able to make a bigger impact against LSU on Saturday.

The Tigers will need all the help they can get, and having their top receiver available would definitely be an added plus.

WR Chris Owusu, Stanford

Status: Questionable

Chris Owusu left Stanford’s game at Washington State early during the first quarter with a head injury after being caught on the receiving end of a crushing hit.

Owusu is the team’s leading receiver with 25 catches but the Cardinal have other weapons that they could turn to like tight ends Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz for this weekend’s game against Washington.