Georgia State running back Kyler Neal may have strained his lateral collateral ligament, according to coach Trent Miles.
Miles said they hope that Neal can return for the game at Arkansas State on Oct. 31, but wouldn’t know until an evaluation being done on Monday is complete. Miles said they know that Neal didn’t suffer an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Neal sustained the injury in Saturday’s 31-19 win over Ball State. Neal is the team’s leading rusher with 246 yards on 65 carries.
Running back Taz Bateman, who has missed the past four games after suffering a broken forearm, will be evaluated this week to see if he can return in time for the Arkansas State game. Bateman rushed for 99 yards in his first two games.
Middle linebacker Kaleb Ringer missed the Ball State game because he had yet to complete the concussion protocol. He should return for the Arkansas State game. Ringer has 25 tackles in five games.
Opportunity, and not depth, is Georgia State’s problem running the ball.
The Panthers totaled less than 40 yards against Ball State, a week after rushing for 59 yards against Appalachian State, a week after rushing for 11 yards against Liberty.
In three weeks, the Panthers have rushed for 103 yards.
“It’s got to start up front,” Miles said. “Get back to basics and fundamentals and find a way to get some movement up there and find a way to get everyone going in right direction and at the right guys.”
Miles said the players understand the scheme, but sometimes four guys will block correctly and one guy won’t, which will result in no gain or a loss of yards.
About the Author
