TCU RB Catalon to miss Peach Bowl, possibly next season with concussion symptoms
A lingering recovery from a concussion will prevent B.J. Catalon, TCU's starting running back and leading kick returner, from playing in the Peach Bowl, and there appears to be some concern he might not return next fall for his senior season.
Catalon suffered the concussion on Nov. 1 at West Virginia, taking a hit at the end of making a tremendous run on the final play to put the Horned Frogs in position for the game-winning field goal.
He hasn't played since. Patterson on Tuesday said Catalon has completed "most" of the medical tests a player must pass before gaining clearance to play, but that the school and Catalon continue to be cautious.
"There's a lot of things. There's some circumstances in the whole thing obviously I can't talk about," Patterson said. "Basically, he's been over most everything. Obviously, [there's] anxiety about different things. I think we're in a good place right now. I think it's better to be on the safe side than it is the other side on this.
Patterson said he met with Catalon and his mother earlier this week and while he offered no specifics, Patterson suggested the family is weighing all factors regarding concussion injuries before a potential return to the field. Asked what his expectations are for Catalon next season, Patterson said he isn't sure.
"There's family things," Patterson said. "There's not an answer I can give you guys."
The No. 6 Horned Frogs leave Fort Worth on Christmas Day for Atlanta where they will face No. 9 Ole Miss in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on New Year's Eve.
Catalon missed the final four regular-season games. In the first eight games he rushed for 493 yards on 98 carries and still leads the team with 10 rushing touchdowns. A threat to catch-and-run out of the backfield, Catalon leads all running backs with 14 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown.
He also remains the Frogs' leading kick returner, having averaged 31.8 yards per return.
Junior Aaron Green has excelled since taking over the starting job, rushing for 485 yards on 66 carries and five touchdowns.
The Frogs will also be without defensive end Mike Tuaua, who injured his shoulder against Iowa State. Tuaua finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss and tied for second with five sacks.
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