Texas Tech Red Raiders starting running back Baron Batch is expected to miss three to six weeks after sustaining an arm injury in practice, two people familiar with the injury said Thursday.Batch most likely will miss one month, one source said, putting his target date for a possible return Sept. 19 in Week 3 against Texas.
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported that Batch was hit by defensive tackle Chris Perry during an inside running drill and landed awkwardly on his arm. Batch later was taken from the Tech football facility in a private vehicle, accompanied by Tech medical personnel.
The specific nature of the injury is not known. Texas Tech does not comment on player injuries.
Batch, a junior, led the Red Raiders in rushing last season with 758 yards and seven touchdowns, with a Big 12-leading 6.7 yards per carry. He also ranked second among all Big 12 running backs with 45 receptions for 449 yards last season.
The loss would be especially significant because of the expired eligibility of Shannon Woods. Woods and Batch shared the Red Raiders' featured back role during their 11-2 season in 2008.
Aaron Crawford and Harrison Jeffers are candidates to replace Batch. The Red Raiders open Sept. 5 against North Dakota.
Crawford rushed for 26 yards and a touchdown last season, but has been hampered by a shoulder injury he suffered in spring practice
Joe Schad is a college football reporter for ESPN. Information from ESPN.com Big 12 blogger Tim Griffin was included in this report.
Story courtesy of ESPN
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