LaMichael James Injury: Oregon Star Back Should Stay on the Bench vs. Colorado

"I don't want to coach, I want to play."

With those simple words I think it’s safe to say that No. 9 Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James wants to be back in action this Saturday against the Colorado Buffaloes.

After being forced to wear a headset and help coach on the sidelines for a game, James is itching to get back on the field. According to Oregonlive.com, James has been limited to conditioning work in practice and the medical trainers are creating a brace for his elbow.

Judging by the comments he’s been making, James knows he may need to wait a week before suiting up again:

"

I haven't got full yet, but it's close... I definitely could play. It's one of those things, if they need me to play. Kenjon is doing a great job of running the ball and De'Anthony (Thomas). And Darron (Thomas) and Bryan Bennett. Those guys are doing a great job. So I don't know if they'll need me.

"

Well, they are playing a Colorado team that is currently 1-6 and has yet to beat a PAC-12 opponent since joining the conference. They are allowing 36 points per game and are awful against the run.

So while James must be licking his chops, it wouldn’t be a horrible idea to have him take a seat. In James' absence, Kenjon Barner carried for 171 yards. In other words, this Ducks offense is a very well oiled machine.

There is no reason to risk further injury against one of the worst teams on their entire schedule. With games against No. 25 Washington, No. 8 Stanford and USC still on the schedule, having a healthy James should be the main priority.

The Heisman Trophy candidate dislocated his right elbow in a 43-15 Ducks victory of California on Oct. 6th and was forced to miss last week’s 41-27 win over Arizona State.

Do the smart thing, Chip Kelly. Give James an extra week of rest.