Luther Burden injury: Missouri star WR hurt, taken to tent against UMass

Luther Burden was injured during the third quarter of Missouri‘s Week 7 matchup and is questionable to return against UMass on Saturday.

Burden was targeted on a pass by quarterback Brady Cook over the middle of the field, and collided with a UMass defender where he took a hard fall onto the turf below. He remainded on the ground after the play and had to be tended to by training staff on the field.

He appeared to be favoring his left shoulder on the sideline after returning to his feet. The athletic training staff took him into the injury tent for further evaluation.

“Luther Burden came over to the sideline and wincing in pain, reaching inside of his patch trying to grab that shoulder,” ESPN sideline reporter Taylor Davis said in an injury update shortly after. “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.”

By the time he emerged from the tent, Mizzou boasted a four touchdown lead in the second half. Not only does the ankle tape being removed indicate that his day is finished, but both commentators Roy Philpott and Sam Acho in the booth said agreed there would be “no chance,” that Burden returned to the field against UMass.

Burden finished the game with two rushes for 68 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for an additional 59 yards before leaving the game with his apparent injury.

With all signs pointing toward a 5-1 start to Missouri’s season, Burden’s availability moving forward will be heavily discussed in Columbia this week. Heading into Week 8 against the Auburn Tigers, his services will be greatly missed if he’s unable to go next weekend.