Another Running Back Suffers a Severe Injury Setback

Oct 20 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Chris Thompson (4) runs the ball as Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kacy Rodgers II (22) defends during the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier in the season Florida State senior running back Chris Thompson made some noise with some highlight-reel runs showing off his explosive speed and impressive array of moves.

His play was even more impressive when you consider that he was coming off of missing almost a whole season due to breaking two vertebrae in his back last year.

Thompson was becoming one of the better stories of the 2012 season and was improving his draft stock over the course of the season. He was once a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and was showing he was certainly draftable and returning to pre-injury form.

Unfortunately for the very likeable Thompson, similarly to Marcus Lattimore, he suffered a big setback this weekend with a severe knee injury. Thompson tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2012 season. Thompson is a senior and could apply for a medical hardship waiver in order to receive one more year of eligibility.

Thompson was far from a complete running back prospect up to this point. He has always been small in stature and relied on his speed in order to stretch the edge and separate from defenders rather than go through them. He was going to be viewed as a scat-back/3rd down back early in his career.

After two consecutive years of severe injuries and missed time, many will be concerned whether or not Thompson has the body to play at the NFL level. His athletic skills are certainly there and he is a guy I believe could have seen a boost in stock in the offseason due to high expectations in the 40 and shuttle drills.

Thompson will surely only be viewed as a very late option and possible priority free agent if he decides to declare this year.

Thompson is beloved by coaches and teammates and is a very determined, hard working individual. This isn’t the end of football for him, but it is the beginning of a long road to recovery.