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Seth Russell’s injury an unfair reality for the senior quarterback, Baylor

By Collin Wieder

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) is carted off of the field after an injury in action against the Oklahoma Sooners during the third quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) is carted off of the field after an injury in action against the Oklahoma Sooners during the third quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baylor’s Seth Russell suffered his second season-ending injury in as many years Saturday. His unfinished career exacerbates a tough year for the Bears.

Senior quarterback Seth Russell’s Baylor career ended Saturday at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium.

Russell took off on a scramble and Sooner linebacker Jordan Evans came up to make a routine tackle. Unfortunately, Caleb Kelly non-maliciously converged on the other side of the play catching Russell’s leg in an awkward position. He looked to have suffered a broken leg similar to Alabama’s Tyrone Prothro.

However, the injury was diagnosed as a dislocated ankle. It isn’t a positive diagnosis either. The result was brutal to watch and instantly drew a loud reaction from fans, players and coaches.

The injury didn’t just hurt the Bears’ remaining season, but also Russell’s NFL draft stock. He stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 220 pounds, he’s got great arm strength and mobility. His stock on CBS Sports had him listed as a fifth or sixth round pick, and this doesn’t help him.

The most disappointing storyline in all this is that it’s his second season-ending injury. After starting 7-0 last year, Russell fractured a bone in his neck in a win over Iowa State. He wouldn’t play another down in the 2015 season.

Oklahoma and Baylor players raved about Russell as a person and player. You never want to see anyone go down with a severe injury, but for it to happen to such a good guy makes it even worse.

The Road Ahead

Seth Russell’s impossible optimist attitude bodes well for his future. He bounced back from one major injury. Now the rest of the sports world will see if he can do it again. He ended his career with 5,461 passing yards, 60 touchdowns and just 18 interceptions. His dual threat ability is reflected in the rushing column as well. Russell rushed for 1,240 yards and 20 touchdowns, while averaging 6.2 yards per carry (sacks factored in).

Russell’s return is something NFL general managers will be watching. Although his progression on the long road to recovery is important, his improvement in accuracy is just as vital.

Related Story: Seth Russell suffers gruesome leg injury vs Oklahoma

He hadn’t looked the same for much of this season completing a below average 54.7 percent of his passes. Last season, he wasn’t mind-blowing, but he did hit 59.5 of his passes in 2015. His neck may not have healed completely, but either way he’s going to have to get better.

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