Mizzou RB not playing in Liberty Bowl

Missouri will be missing a key contributor on offense in the Liberty Bowl.

Reports from Memphis are that Tigers RB Damarea Crockett did not dress for warmups and will not play against Oklahoma State. Crockett is second on the team in rushing with 709 yards on 147 carries. RB Larry Rountree III leads the ground attack with 1,012 yards on 198 carries in 2018.

Damarea Crockett isn’t dressed. He isn’t playing. Messiah Swinson also not dressed. Chad Bailey in crutches.

— Alex Schiffer (@TheSchiffMan) December 31, 2018

Further details of Crockett’s absence are unclear as there does not seem to be consensus among the beat reporters.

Crockett? Nah. He’s got an injury, can’t remember what. Missed a lot of the bowl practices. https://t.co/ci63rf0X13

— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) December 31, 2018

One interesting pregame note: #Mizzou RB Damarea Crockett is not on the field warming up with the other running backs. We’re told he’s in Memphis and he practiced all week, so we’ll see if he emerges prior to kickoff.

— Mitchell Forde (@Mitchell4D) December 31, 2018

Missouri’s Damarea Crockett not currently on the field with the other running backs during pregame drills. He practiced in the days leading up to the bowl.

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) December 31, 2018

Crockett missed the season finale against Arkansas due to an ankle/toe injury. Piecing the above reports from the beat would indicate he traveled to Memphis and practiced, but ultimately was unable to play Monday.

The good news for the Tigers is that Crockett and TE Albert Okwuegbunam appear to be the only impact players absent on offense.