Indiana running back Turbo Richard likely avoided serious injury after leaving Friday's game against Northwestern in the first half and should return to the field soon, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
Richard sustained a right foot/ankle injury when being pulled down along the Indiana sideline following a 2-yard run early in the second quarter. He hobbled to the IU locker room and did not return to the Hoosiers' 29-23 win.
After further evaluation Saturday, there's "optimism" Richard can return to the field soon, sources told ESPN, perhaps even next week when Indiana visits Rutgers.
Coach Curt Cignetti said after the game that Richard's injury occurred on a hip-drop tackle and that he was also hit out of bounds by Northwestern's Brendan Flakes, but no penalty was called.
Richard had 68 rushing yards on nine carries before his injury after running for 315 yards and four touchdowns in Indiana's first three games. Lee Beebe Jr. stepped in as Indiana's primary back and finished with 203 rushing yards and a touchdown in the win.
Indiana is already playing without running back Khobie Martin, a key contributor who sustained a forearm injury in the season opener against North Texas. Martin is set to return sometime midseason.