Nate Noel injury update: Reason revealed for Missouri RB's absence vs. UMass

Missouri leading rusher Nate Noel was abscent from the Tigers’ lineup in the first half of their road trip to UMass on Saturday.

Coming out of the break, ESPN Taylor Davis sideline reporter revealed that Noel is unavailable for the afternoon with “back tightness.” He was dressed and on the sideline with his helmet as the second half kickoff ensued.

Instead, Mizzou has relied on Marcus Carroll to carry the load for the Tigers. He rushed 11 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns as they took a 24-3 lead into the halftime break. Luther Burden III also played a factor in the run game, taking a single carry for 61 yards to the house.

Noel has taken 79 carries for 471 yards and two touchdowns during Missouri’s first five games of the season. It’s unclear as of this report how long he may be sidelined.

Luther Burden injured in second half vs 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.”