MRI shows UTEP RB Buckram only bruised knee, role in season opener will be game-time decision

UTEP gets good news about RB Buckram injury

EL PASO, Texas — Texas-El Paso running back Donald Buckram has a bruised knee and may be able to play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Saturday’s season-opener for both teams.

Buckram was carted off the field during practice Wednesday, a scary sight for the Miners.

Team spokesman Jeff Darby said Thursday that an MRI showed that Buckram did not suffer any ligament damage and coaches will decide at game time whether he can play.

Buckram was all-Conference USA as a junior in 2009 and was one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder from Copperas Cove rushed for 1,594 yards and 18 touchdowns in 259 carries and caught 30 passes for 453 yards and three TDs.