Jordan James injury update: Oregon star RB heads to locker room with injury in Rose Bowl vs. Ohio State

The news is quickly going from bad to worse for Oregon at the Rose Bowl against Ohio State, with star running back Jordan James heading to the locker room early.

James was spotted heading that way with about nine minutes remaining in the first half, though it wasn’t immediately clear when he had suffered an injury or what it might be.

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Should ESPN provide any additional information, this story will be updated accordingly.

“Jordan James, a 1,200-yard rusher, was taken to the locker room after this hard hit,” ESPN’s Holly Rowe said. “I’ll give you an update as soon as I have it. But we are believing he sustained a blow.”

But suffice it to say, Jordan James’ absence would be a huge blow for the Ducks if he can’t return. He was the team’s leading rusher in the contest prior to his exit, rushing seven times for 14 yards. He had also caught two passes for seven yards, seeing a healthy dose of his team’s touches.

On the season, Jordan James has tallied 1,253 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, while also securing 24 catches for 202 yards.

Ohio State takes huge early lead

Even without the Jordan James injury, things were looking grim for Oregon in the first half of the Rose Bowl against Ohio State.

The Buckeyes struck early and often, with star freshman Jeremiah Smith absolutely going off on the Ducks secondary. He had logged five catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns through the first quarter and a half of action. Meanwhile, running back TreVeyon Henderson had run twice for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Everything was clicking for Ohio State, which opened up a 31-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

If Oregon’s going to get back into the contest, it’s probably going to need Jordan James to return and several other things to break its way. So far it’s been a bit of an ambush.