Written by James Carter
Ole Miss could be facing a major injury concern in the College Football Playoff after star running back Kewan Lacy appeared to suffer a right hamstring injury during Thursday night’s CFP semifinal against Miami.
Lacy was hurt at the end of a 73-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. He noticeably slowed as he reached the end zone and did not return for the remainder of the first half.
With Lacy sidelined, Logan Diggs filled in at running back. Ole Miss trailed 17–13 at halftime after kicker Lucas Carneiro hit a 58-yard field goal just before the break.
Kewan Lacy injury update
The issue appeared to be a right hamstring injury. ESPN’s broadcast showed Lacy on the sideline riding a stationary bicycle as staff worked to keep the hamstring warm. Reporter Laura Rutledge said Ole Miss’ medical staff planned to continue evaluating him at halftime.
Ole Miss coach Pete Golding told ESPN that the team would know more about Lacy’s status for the second half after further evaluation.
“They’re going to look at him, so we’ll figure it out at halftime,” Golding said.
Not his first injury of Ole Miss’ playoff run
The hamstring scare is the second notable injury for Lacy during Ole Miss’ CFP stretch. He previously exited the Rebels’ first-round playoff win over Tulane on Dec. 20 with a shoulder injury.
Even with limited action after the touchdown, Lacy was Ole Miss’ most impactful offensive player in the first half. He accounted for 75 of the Rebels’ 145 total yards and scored their lone touchdown before halftime. His 73-yard run was also the longest play of the game for either team at that point.
Why Lacy matters so much
Lacy entered the national semifinal ranked third in the nation in rushing yards (1,464) and second in rushing touchdowns (23). If he can’t return, Ole Miss’ approach may depend heavily on Diggs and the passing game to sustain drives in the second half.
This article will be updated as official word emerges on Lacy’s second-half availability.
Source: USA TODAY
