Justin Jackson injured, spring practice return doubtful

Northwestern star running back Justin Jackson will likely miss the rest of spring practice with a lower body injury sustained this week in practice, a team spokesman confirmed to Inside NU.

The exact details of the injury were not disclosed, but Jackson is expected to make a full recovery.

Jackson was seen around campus on crutches Tuesday, and apparently was struggling to put much weight, if any, on his injured leg.

Jackson was stellar as a true freshman in 2014, rushing for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns all while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He entered the spring as the unquestioned starter.

His injury will leave first team reps to soon-to-be-junior Warren Long, redshirt freshman Auston Anderson (whom we profiled last week), and soon-to-be-sophomore Solomon Vault.

Northwestern wraps up the first portion of its spring schedule Thursday. The Wildcats then return to the practice field after spring break on Tuesday, March 31. There will be open practices on Saturday, April 4 and Saturday, April 11.

UPDATE: Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday morning that Jackson's injury is "not serious."