Luther Burden injury: Eli Drinkwitz provides positive update on star WR

Just about everything has gone right for Missouri down the stretch against UMass on Saturday. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, star wide receiver Luther Burden left the game with an apparent injury in the third quarter.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz updated the status of what appeared to be a shoulder injury for Burden early in the fourth. It was a light-hearted and positive one.

“I was trying to get him 100 yards rushing, but if you don’t get back in the game, I can’t,” Drinkwitz told ESPN sideline reporter Taylor Davis. “He’ll be just fine.”

Burden was injured after being targeted on a pass over the middle by quarterback Brady Cook early in the second half, colliding with a UMass defender where he took a hard fall onto the turf below. He remainded on the ground after the play and was escorted to the injury tent by training staff.

Burden didn’t quite get 100 yards rushing, finishing with two carries for 68 yards during what was essentially one half of football. He took his first carry for 61 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

He was offically deemed questionable after leaving the tent, but is unlikely to return after being spotted getting his spat tape removed.

Taylor Davis also provided the initial injury update on Burden’s injury.

“Luther Burden came over to the sideline and wincing in pain, reaching inside of his patch trying to grab that shoulder,” Davis said. “He spent time in the medical tent, like you guys saw. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz went in, spent some time with him as well.

“He has since emerged from the tent, but he’s removed his gloves, his helmet, and they’re currently taking his ankle tape off. The official word is questionable to return, but all sides point to he’s done for today.”

As Missouri looks to put a bow on its road trip to UMass, their attention returns back toward the SEC where they’ll host the Auburn Tigers in Week 8.