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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WSU’s Montgomery out for season

PULLMAN – Junior running back James Montgomery underwent emergency surgery Sunday on his left calf and will be lost for the season. Montgomery, a transfer from Cal who redshirted last season, came into the training room that morning with pain and swelling that was determined to be acute compartment syndrome. According to the American Academy of Orthorpaedic Surgeons’ website, acute compartment syndrome can be caused by a strong blow to the muscle. Swelling or bleeding within the muscle compartment puts pressure on capillaries and nerves. If left untreated and the pressure isn’t relieved quickly, nerves and muscles can die and permanent disability or even death can occur. “He got a bruise in that lower calf region,” Wulff said. “Over the middle of the night pressure built, pain ensued and he went into the emergency (room).” Montgomery, who suffered a right knee injury in fall practice that caused him to miss three weeks, rushed for 10 yards Saturday on six carries, giving him a team-high 167 yards. He came off the bench for 118 yards vs. Hawaii, the Cougars first 100-yard game since 2007. He told the trainers and coaches Sunday he had no recollection of any hit that may have caused the injury. Without Montgomery, WSU will rely on senior Dwight Tardy, who has led the Cougars in rushing for three consecutive years, sophomore Logwone Mitz and junior Marcus Richmond. The trio has rushed for 132 yards combined the season.