CORVALLIS — The MRI was just a precaution.

Terron Ward's knee hadn't swelled up.

leading rusher was not in unbearable pain. The knee simply did not feel normal.

So doctors decided to check it out, just to be safe. The results came back.

Torn meniscus.

"I was pretty shocked," Ward said following Tuesday's practice.

The timing of the significant injury is unfortunate for an OSU rushing attack that just blasted Arizona State for 247 yards and two touchdowns (148 yards and a score from Ward) in Saturday's upset. But the timing is even more unfortunate for Ward himself.

He won't play in the Beavers' final two regular-season games at Washington and against Oregon. And with OSU still needing one more win to become bowl eligible, there's a chance Ward's college career has come to a premature end.

"It's crazy to even think of that," Ward said. "I've thought about that many times in the last two days. It was a good game to go out on, I guess, upset the No. 6 team. But I don't get to play in the Civil War. I won't get to play Washington again. I don't know if we'll have a bowl game. So things like that go through your mind.

"It's hard to swallow, but it's part of life."

Ward got hurt late in the fourth quarter, on a third-and-2 play from the Arizona State 46-yard line where he bounced a run to the right side.

"Nothing (flukey)," Ward said. "It wasn't like it got twisted or anything. Just something that happened."

The Beavers ended up punting two snaps later. Two consecutive defensive stands — Michael Doctor's pick-six and D.J. Alexander fourth-down sack — meant the OSU offense did not take the field again.

But Ward was the first OSU player to take the mic during the postgame press conference, already looking ahead to Washington rather than mentioning he felt dinged up. Coach Mike Riley did not mention Ward during his injury update on Sunday evening's media conference call.

Yet Ward watched Monday's practice in sweats. It's not entirely uncommon for players with minor injuries to sit out a workout or two early in the week. When Riley was asked following Monday's practice for an update on Ward, however, the coach revealed it would be "very likely" the running back would be out the next two weeks.

So for now, the Beavers move on without a tough between-the-tackles runner who has compiled 696 yards and 10 touchdowns so far in 2014. Co-starter Storm Woods (591 yards, four touchdowns), who has been much more explosive in a resurgent junior season, becomes the top option, with sophomore Chris Brown set to see more carries. Physical redshirt freshman Damien Haskins, who took a handoff at fullback against ASU, could also get some looks.

"Terron is a good football player and he's all over the place on our team," said Riley, also noting Ward's role on special teams. "When you lose a guy like that, it takes about four guys to replace him is what happens. But it's kind of football."

If Ward never takes the field for the Beavers again, he'll finish his career with 1,843 yards and 22 touchdowns. His senior season will always be regarded as his best. His powerful, fearless running style — despite standing just 5-foot-7 — made him popular with Beavers fans, while his candid comments made him a go-to interview with media.

Ward acknowledges his spirits have dipped at times since that unexpected MRI result. He appreciates the support of his teammates, as many have vowed to reach a bowl for him. He's already talking like a coach, highlighting Washington's strong defensive front, how the Huskies are better than their record indicates and that the Beavers need to remember last season's drubbing in Corvallis.

Most importantly, Ward has confidence in a revamped Beavers offensive line that consistently opened holes against the Sun Devils and in his fellow backs — even if his career could be over sooner than expected.

"It's not about me being injured," Ward said. "It's about this team winning. So I'm just trying to get everybody ready."

--

|