Ryquell Armstead questionable for Temple's regular-season finale
Temple showed depth at running back Saturday in a 31-0 win over Tulane when leading rusher Ryquell Armstead did not play.
Temple showed depth at running back Saturday in a 31-0 win over Tulane when leading rusher Ryquell Armstead did not play.
According to coach Matt Rhule, the sophomore from Millville could have played, but the Owls decided to hold him out because he wasn't 100 percent healthy.
Rhule said Monday that Armstead's status is questionable for the regular-season finale Saturday night against East Carolina at Lincoln Financial Field.
Armstead suffered an undisclosed injury Nov. 4 on his first play in the Owls' 21-0 win at Connecticut. The injury didn't hamper his performance as Armstead gained 133 yards on 20 carries. Temple had a bye before returning to action against Tulane.
Temple (8-3, 6-1) can clinch the American Athletic Conference East Division title on Saturday with a win or a loss by South Florida in its game against Central Florida.
"He is still in that questionable category and we will see how he progresses during the week," Rhule said of Armstead during a conference call with AAC coaches. "I think we have good enough backs that we don't have to play him if he doesn't practice."
Jahad Thomas is the starting running back, but Armstead has seen extensive time, rushing for 807 yards (6.3 average) and 11 touchdowns. The two also have played together in the same backfield.
Temple rushed for 196 yards in the win over Tulane. Thomas was limited to 57 yards in 22 carries, but freshman Isaiah Wright gained 49 on three carries, including his first touchdown on a 22-yard run. Sophomore Jager Gardner, who was injured earlier in the year, saw his most extensive action this season, with 33 yards on 12 carries.
Receiver Adonis Jennings added 36 yards on three reverse plays.
Rhule said that safety Nate L. Smith "is probably not playing this week," but the coach said he had not seen him yet on Monday.
Smith was carted off the field Saturday after he was injured in the fourth quarter. Smith said he was fine afterward, but he was limping noticeably.
Temple has won five in a row and has not allowed a point in more than 158 minutes. East Carolina (3-8, 1-6) has dropped three in a row, including a 66-31 loss at home to Navy.
Dawkins in Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl announced that 15 players, including Temple's Dion Dawkins, have been added to this year's game. A senior offensive lineman, Dawkins has started 37 games over his four-year career. The game is set for Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala.
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