College Football Injury Update: Justin Blackmon, LaMichael James Both Playing

As with any college football Saturday, there are a number of injuries to address.  Here are the injury updates for Week 9 of the 2011 college football season—both with players who were hurt in today's games, and players whose status in games still to come (or in progress) require updating.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Cowboys fans will be relieved to hear that star wide receiver Justin Blackmon was cleared to play today. They will be even more content with the news that Blackmon amassed 114 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first half as Oklahoma State jumped out to a 35-0 lead on the Baylor Bears. Blackmon was concussed last week against the Missouri Tigers and apparently is venting his frustration with last week's subsequent concussion tests on Baylor.

Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks' best player was also recovering from an injury this week, and like Blackmon, LaMichael James is playing. Unfortunately James is not having the kind of day Blackmon is, as he has only 29 rushing yards on 10 carries at this point in the game. But after how bad that elbow injury looked three weeks ago, it's good to see James back on the field already.

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma's leading rusher Dominique Whaley was injured on the first play of the Sooners' game against the Kansas State Wildcats today. No word on the severity yet, but the injury required an air cast and Whaley was carted off the field, so it doesn't look too good.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Cornhusker fans had a moment of panic today when running back Rex Burkhead went down holding his left leg on a play in the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans. Good news—it turned out just to be cramps. Burkhead had 130 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, as well as a 27-yard touchdown catch, so I know Nebraska fans are relieved that he's okay.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Pittsburgh running back Ray Graham, who currently ranks second in the FBS in rushing yards per game, was injured in Wednesday night's game against the Connecticut Huskies. The injury looked bad when Graham immediately grasped at his knee after the fateful play. Sadly, Graham is out for the season.

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies' defense has been ravaged by injuries this season, but two key players returned today. All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley and defensive end James Gayle both started against the Duke Blue Devils. Linebacker Alonzo Tweedy, however, did not play.

Wisconsin Badgers

Both running back Montee Ball and safety Dezmem Southward are expected to play tonight for the Badgers against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ball has 768 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground this year, so the Badgers are very glad to have his services available in Columbus.

USC Trojans

Robert Woods will be a game-time decision tonight as the Trojans face the Stanford Cardinal. As this is a huge game, I have to imagine Woods will play if at all possible. His nagging ankle injury kept him from fully participating in practice all week.

Florida Gators

Quarterback John Brantley was out of the game for one play after limping off the field, but he returned. His mobility has seemed limited since.

Georgia Bulldogs

In the same game, Bulldogs' quarterback Aaron Murray was pummeled. Murray is currently getting his left leg examined on the sideline.