Indiana Football’s starting running back, Turbo Richard, was forced into the locker room with a right lower leg injury in the first half of Friday night’s game against Northwestern. The injury was seemingly due to a hip drop tackle from Northwestern’s Jamaal Johnson, and then a proceeding tackle out of bounds by Brendan Flakes; however, no penalties were drawn. Richard appeared to land awkwardly on his right leg, forcing him into the locker room for the rest of the game.
“Late hip, hip drop, penalty not called, which was consistent early in the game. Penalties on the other side, not called; penalties on us, mysterious penalties being called,” said Cignetti following Friday night’s win. “But uh I mean regardless, you hate to see that happen to a good player like that who was playing really well, but he will do everything he can to get back as soon as possible.”
The good news is, the injury does not appear as serious as initially expected. Adam Rittenberg reported saying, “Indiana received good news on RB Turbo Richard, who left Friday’s win against Northwestern with a right foot/angle injury in the first half. There’s optimism he will return soon. The Hoosiers visit Rutgers next week.”
Before his injury, Richard recorded 69 yards on nine attempts, the longest gain arriving at 33 yards. Richard has been a key spark for the Hoosiers offense this season, totaling 383 yards and recording four touchdowns. Indiana inevitably pulled out the 29-23 win over Northwestern, significantly due to Lee Beebe Jr.’s ability to step up to the plate. Beebe filled in for Richard and led the Hoosiers on the ground with 206 yards on 24 attempts and one touchdown. His longest attempt came at 70 yards.
It is unclear when Richard will return, but if he is not cleared before the Hoosiers face Rutgers next weekend, Beebe will have to fill his shoes again and control offensive tempo. Depth piece Khobie Martin is also still out with an arm injury, so players like Sean Cuono and Jayreon Campbell will have to be ready.
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