Reports: Missouri QB Franklin Out For Regular Season

Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) releases the ball before being hit by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Numerous media outlets are reporting that Missouri QB James Franklin will miss the remainder of the regular season with a separated shoulder.

Franklin suffered the injury early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game at Georgia. He stayed in for one more play and then left the field in considerable pain.

QB2 Maty Mauk replaced Franklin and led the Tigers to two more touchdown drives to seal their road victory over No. 7 Georgia. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said after the game that Mauk would take over as the starting quarterback for as long as Franklin is out.

The Tigers (6-0, 2-0) now have the outright lead in the SEC East. Florida’s loss at LSU means Missouri’s three chief competitors for the division title have suffered at least one defeat.

It won’t take long for Missouri to figure out where they will stand in the race with Mauk at the helm. The Tigers host Florida and South Carolina at Faurot Field over the next two weeks.

Franklin, who was finally healthy after suffering injuries last season, was perhaps the most improved player in the nation in 2013.

Through six games this season, Franklin completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,577 yards and 14 TDs with just 3 INTs and 3 rushing TDs. He entered the Georgia game as one of three players in the SEC to account for an average of more than 300 yards of total offense per game.

He completed 18 of 27 passes for 170 yards and a TD, rushing for another, in the win over Georgia.

Mauk completed all three of his passing attempts for 23 yards in relief of Franklin. He also ran three times for 12 yards.

The redshirt freshman has throw six collegiate passes.