Missouri notes: Running back Russell Hansbrough makes little impact in loss

Missouri senior running back Russell Hansbrough played Saturday after missing most of the season’s first three games because of a sprained right ankle, but he was only marginally effective.

Hansbrough, who was limited to seven carries for 38 yards in the first two games and sat out against Connecticut, finished with six carries for 11 yards and had a 7-yard reception in a 21-13 loss to Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Missouri lost four more starters to injury during the game, including senior linebacker Kentrell Brothers, who was injured on the final play of the third quarter. He was carted off the field and into the locker room because of a sprained left ankle.

Junior tight end Sean Culkin exited in the first quarter because of a right knee sprain. Culkin has started 18 consecutive games for Missouri dating back to the start of last season. He entered the Kentucky game tied for the team lead with 11 catches and was fourth with 97 yards.

Sophomore right tackle Nate Crawford went down in the third quarter because of a sprained left ankle, and senior safety Ian Simon left later in the period with a head injury.

Simon, a captain who has started 21 consecutive games, was breaking up a deep throw by Kentucky’s Patrick Towles in the end zone when he landed hard on the field and was slow to get up.

Williams travels

Missouri freshman running back Ryan Williams made the trip to Kentucky as Missouri’s fifth running back.

Williams, a Lee’s Summit West graduate who didn’t travel to Arkansas State, was brought along as insurance when junior Morgan Steward remained home.

Steward, a Staley graduate, had 10 carries for 18 yards this season after missing all of 2014 because of a hip injury that required surgery last November.

Hilton moves to offense

Freshman safety Cam Hilton didn’t appear on offense, but he stretched with the wide receivers before the game.

Missouri was shorthanded at the position with redshirt freshman DeSean Blair out for the second straight week because of a concussion.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 10:47 PM with the headline "Missouri notes: Running back Russell Hansbrough makes little impact in loss."