Tigers fight through injuries

Jarrell Jackson, De’Vion Moore and Munir Prince have been among the injured Tigers.

By Zach Mink

Published Aug. 31, 2010

The Tigers have dealt with injuries throughout training camp. With only a week until the first game of the season, here’s a look at some notable injuries:

Jarrell Jackson

After initial reports placed Jackson out for the season opener, the junior wide receiver has made a quick recovery from a broken wrist suffered in training camp. Jackson is currently listed as the No. 1 X-receiver on the Tiger depth chart, and will play against Illinois on Saturday.

“Jarrell Jackson has had a great recovery, and will play with a small cast on his hand,” coach Gary Pinkel said. “He has done remarkably well, and you just could never predict that a guy can do what he’s doing out there. He’s a very talented athlete, and certainly a positive that we have (him) back.”

De’Vion Moore

The junior tailback has been hobbled by a foot injury for most of training camp. However, with the loss of senior tailback Derrick Washington, Moore should play an increased role this season. Moore is listed as the No. 2 tailback on the depth chart.

“De’Vion Moore has been nursing a big toe injury, but he looked real good yesterday in practice, so hopefully we’re 100 percent there,” Pinkel said.

Munir Prince

After a frightening blow left Prince unconscious at a scrimmage on Thursday, the redshirt senior was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with transient quadriplegia, a temporary loss of sensation in the upper and lower extremities. However, Prince has regained sensation in his limbs and is on track for a full recovery, according to Pinkel.

“Munir is doing really well, he’s out of the hospital, and moving around fine,” Pinkel said. “They will redo all the tests in a couple of weeks and sit down with medical staff, his family and myself to discuss his future. But the good news is he’s doing well.”

Pinkel was scared after witnessing the hit, concerned by the lack of movement as Prince lay motionless on the ground.

“I noticed that after looking back two or three times, he wasn’t moving,” Pinkel said. “I’ve been coaching 34 years, and I’ve always seen the precautionary to protect the neck and spine, but I didn’t see any movement. I was absolutely frightened, scared to death.”

Donovan Bonner

The sophomore linebacker was listed as No. 2 on the depth chart until a torn ACL brought an end to Bonner’s season. Bonner played in 12 games last season, primarily getting time on special teams as a true freshman. The Texas native tallied nine tackles on the year.

“Donovan Bonner had surgery last Friday, an ACL surgery,” Pinkel said. “He’s doing well, and we will redshirt him this year.”

Jarrell Harrison

The senior strong safety is coming off surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but the outlook is bright. Harrison is currently listed at No. 2 on the depth chart, and Pinkel said he should be ready to play this weekend against Illinois.

“He’s doing well and working hard,” Pinkel said. “We have to see where he’s going as far as swelling is concerned. We have him where he left off in the depth (chart). He’s competing, and most likely will play.”

Missouri opens up the season against Illinois on Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.