2019 NFL Draft: Rodney Anderson out for the season with knee injury

By George Stockburger | Sep 9, 2018

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Rodney Anderson #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners takes the field for the first time against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

A potential Heisman and 2019 NFL Draft candidate will miss this season with a knee injury

Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury against UCLA. Head coach Lincoln Riley released a statement Sunday night announcing the news.

Anderson went down on his sixth carry in Oklahoma’s 49-21 win over the Bruins. A tackle resulted in Anderson’s right knee buckling, and the running back was seen with a brace on after the game.

“We’re heartbroken for him,” said Riley in the program’s official statement. “He’s overcome so much in his career and if anybody can do it again it’s Rodney.

Injuries have ruined what had been a promising career for Anderson at Oklahoma. He missed all but two games his freshman year after breaking his leg, and a neck injury cost him all of 2016.

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Anderson was fully healthy in 2017 and was a major piece of the Sooners offense playing with Baker Mayfield. He finished with 1,161 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns and added five more receiving touchdowns en route to a playoff appearance.

Oklahoma had four players drafted last year, including Mayfield at quarterback going number one to Cleveland. Offensive tackle Orlando Brown and tight end Mark Andrews followed.

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Anderson had a chance to be drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft had he stayed healthy this year, but he’s likely to ask for another medical redshirt. If he does not receive one he could enter the Draft with the hopes of being picked up during his rehab and being ready to play at some point in 2019.