Oregon head coach Chip Kelly met with LaMichael James on Friday, but remained characteristically tight-lipped about when the superstar running back could be expected to return.
Via Adam Jude, the Ducks coach tried to downplay the non-update, saying that James was in high spirits and acting like his typical self. Kelly stated that the injury wasn't bringing Oregon down in any way. Still, it must be worrying to the team on some small level.
This week, Oregon will play a top-20 showdown against a dangerous team in Arizona State, who are just beginning to really build momentum. It's almost certainly the most important game of the year so far, and although the Ducks have some depth at the running back position, De'Anthony Thomas and Tra Carson backups are freshmen.
Oregon would certainly feel better if they had their marquee rusher heading into this matchup, but Kelly is setting the example by putting a brave face on the injury. Time will tell how long this will keep James out.