Paul James left Saturday's game against Arkansas in the second half and did not return. (AP Photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Head coach Kyle Flood said Paul James suffered a lower-leg injury Saturday against Arkansas and will be out at least through Oct. 10 at Louisville.

Flood said he believes James will play again this season.

"PJ's a competitor," said Flood, who said he spoke to James last night. "PJ wants to be out there."

With 5:38 left in the third quarter, a 9-yard James run culminated when James was bent backward with his feet planted. He remained on the High Point Solutions Stadium turf until team trainers helped him off the field.

On a second-and-11 deep in Rutgers territory early six seconds into the fourth quarter, James chipped an Arkansas defensive end on an out pattern and fell a few steps afterward with a non-contact injury.

Flood said team medical personnel went through protocol to clear James to return.

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James finished with 80 yards on 17 carries. To that point, he received nearly 90 percent of the Scarlet Knights' rushing touches.

He entered the game as the nation's leading rusher with nearly 500 yards. 

The sophomore had previously suffered from ankle and hip flexor injuries but was largely healthy through training camp.

True freshman Justin Goodwin appeared in his second career game. Savon Huggins carried seven times after James left. Flood said redshirt freshman Desmon Peoples could also have a role with James out.