James Franklin Injury: Mizzou QB Could Be Game-Time Decision

Missouri Vs. South Carolina: James Franklin A Game-Time Decision

Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin will be a gametime decision on Saturday against the South Carolina Gamecocks, Mizzou head coach Gary Pinkel said on Monday.

Pinkel: "James Franklin will play if he can play." Says could be decided at game time

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 17, 2012

Franklin missed this week's contest against Arizona State after re-injuring a shoulder that required surgery this offseason. The junior from Corinth, Texas, hurt the shoulder in the Tigers' SEC opener against Georgia. Franklin put up 269 yards through the air with two touchdowns and an interception in that outing.

Freshman Corbin Berkstresser replaced Franklin against the Sun Devils on Saturday and threw for 198 yards on 21-for-41 passing as Missouri slipped away with a 24-20 victory.

Pinkel said on Monday that anyone questioning Franklin's toughness while he sat out against Arizona State "had to have been in a coma the last couple years."

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Missouri Vs. Arizona State: James Franklin Will Not Play

Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin will not play tonight against Arizona State, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel told ESPN just before the game kicked off. Franklin underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and re-injured it last week against Georgia.

Franklin's absence means the debut of freshman Corbin Berkstresser. The 6'3, 235-pound signal caller hails from Lee's Summit, Mo., and was considered a three-star recruit according to Scout.com. At one point considered for a redshirt this season, Berkstresser is now in charge of Mizzou's offense in this non-conference battle.

In Missouri's first two games, Franklin was 38-for-62 for 400 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Tigers to a 1-1 record before being forced out of action. The junior from Corinth, Texas, has thrown for 3,371 yards and 25 touchdowns in his college career. In his first year starting in 2011, he led Missouri to an 8-5 record.

For more on the Missouri Tigers, visit Rock M Nation. More commentary on the Arizona State Sun Devils can be found at House Of Sparky.

James Franklin Injury: Mizzou QB Doubtful For Arizona State, According To Reports

Missouri quarterback James Franklin may miss this Saturday's game in Columbia against Arizona State with a shoulder injury, according to reports. If he can't go, Corbin Berkstresser would get the start.

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Mizzou Spring Football: James Franklin Progressing, Henry Josey Could Redshirt

The Missouri Tigers have a pair of high-profile injuries to address as spring football winds down. Quarterback James Franklin is going to "heal quick" after undergoing a successful shoulder surgery, says coach Gary Pinkel, while running back Henry Josey still has an operation ahead of him. Pinkel notes Josey still has a redshirt year to spend if need be, but still hopes Franklin will be able to return in time for the season.

Josey shattered his knee late last season after posting some of the country's best rushing numbers. Franklin has been banged up since early in spring ball, when he hurt himself fighting for a loose ball.

It would be mighty fine for Mizzou if both players are able to make full recoveries, whether this year or the next, but it's nice to remember Josey has a year to spare.

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James Franklin Surgery To Rule Mizzou QB Out Of Spring Football

Missouri Tigers' starting quarterback James Franklin didn't get a lot of time in before his spring was cut short. He'll be out for the rest of spring football with a shoulder injury. Franklin threw for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns while also running for 985 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first year as a starter in 2011.

Franklin sustained the injury during practice last Tuesday. The injury did not initially appear to require surgery, but doctors later determined that surgery was in Franklin's best interests. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel is disappointed, but is trying to find positives in the situation.

"We're disappointed for James, but this is absolutely the right thing to do, and we all know he'll be in great hands, as we have the best doctors and trainers in the nation. James has an outstanding work ethic, and he'll be able to get past this setback just fine. We expect him to be 100 percent and ready to go for the season. Until then, our younger guys will benefit from more reps and more work with the number one offense, and we'll look at that as a positive."

For more on Franklin and Mizzou, head over to Missouri Tigers blog Rock M Nation.