Indiana RB Turbo Richard injury 'not so severe as it initially appeared'
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It appears Indiana football has dodged some bad news with the latest update on running back Tubro Richard's ankle/foot injury.
The Hoosiers' starter seemed primed for a big night with 68 yards on nine carries before his injury early in the second quarter of Indiana's 29-23 win over Northwestern on Friday night.
CBS Sports reported Saturday morning Richard suffered a high ankle sprain, which usually requires a multi-week recovery. But later in the day ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported growing optimism the injury wasn't as severe.
Indiana beat writer Zach Osterman of IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, confirmed Rittenberg's report: "Per source, Turbo Richard’s injury was not so severe as it initially appeared. There’s optimism he won’t miss much time. Obviously good news for Indiana provided that’s the case."
Richard took to social media Saturday, posting: "Thankful for my teammates, coaches, family, friends, and Hoosier Nation. God’s got me — I’ll be back soon."
That's especially welcomed news for the Hoosiers, who are already without reserve running back Khobie Martin after he suffered a fractured forearm in the season opener vs. North Texas.
Lee Beebe Jr. filled in admirably for Richard against Northwestern, rushing for 203 yards, many coming from hard-nosed runs that featured vital second and third efforts.
Richard, a Boston College transfer, suffered his injury Friday on a hip drop tackle, which is not illegal in college but is illegal in the NFL. He was also hit late on the sideline as he was being dragged down, but no flag was thrown, exacerbating the frustration.
"Late hip drop. Penalty not called, which was consistent early in the game," Cignetti said about the play that injured Richard. "Penalties on their side not called. Penalties on us, mysterious penalties being called. Regardless, you just hate to see that happen to a good player like that who was playing really well.
"He'll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible."
The Hoosiers take their 20-game win streak on the road next week to Rutgers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Indiana RB Turbo Richard injury 'not so severe as it initially appeared'
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