Missouri running back out with concussion

Nov 22, 2009 - 12:42 AM By R.B. FALLSTROM AP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, Mo.(AP) -- Except for a mild headache, Derrick Washington felt fine after Missouri's victory over Iowa State in the home finale.

The only problem for the junior running back, sidelined by a concussion in the second quarter Saturday, is the first half was a blur.

"I just don't remember the first half at all. Nothing," Washington said after Missouri's 34-24 victory. "They told me I scored a touchdown and I don't remember that."

Washington had 62 yards on 11 carries, including a 4-yard run for the game's first touchdown. It was not clear when Washington was injured.

Don't ask Washington, who leads the Tigers with 692 yards, a 4.2-yard average and eight touchdowns.

"They told me I ran somebody over, I think that's when it happened," Washington said. "I honestly don't know what happened the whole first half."

Washington will undergo testing before getting cleared to play in the regular-season finale next Saturday against Kansas in Kansas City, Mo. Tigers coach Gary Pinkel was unaware of the severity of the concussion.

"If I flashed fingers in front of him, he could count them," Pinkel said. "So that's good right now. Hopefully, he'll be OK."

Washington believed he was in for a few more snaps after sustaining the concussion, which he said was his first. He had hazy recollections of his experience on the sideline, although he remembered telling backup De'Vion Moore to get ready "because I have no clue where I'm at or what's going on."

"It was weird, I thought I was dreaming, I really didn't know what was going on," Washington said. "It was a crazy feeling. I don't want to feel like that again."

Several players picked up the slack as Missouri totaled season highs of 202 yards on 50 carries, including 51 yards on 12 carries by quarterback Blaine Gabbert, both season bests. Moore had 51 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown and Kendial Lawrence had 29 yards on seven carries.