03.21.19 - Unleash The Beast
Lockwood out for Kansas City due to broken collarbone
World No. 1 Jess Lockwood's collarbone hasn't fully healed, and he could be out for another 4-6 weeks.
By Justin Felisko
PUEBLO, Colo. – World No. 1 bull rider Jess Lockwood was hopeful he would be able to ride at this weekend’s Caterpillar Classic in Kansas City, Missouri, but a follow-up appointment with Dr. Tandy Freeman on Thursday has put Lockwood’s return on ice.
In Dallas, Lockwood underwent a CT scan that showed that his broken left collarbone has not fully healed since he sustained the injury on Feb. 9 attempting to ride Wild Goose at the 2019 WinStar World Casino & Resort Global Cup USA.
“My bone is still broke apart,” an admittedly frustrated Lockwood told PBR.com on Thursday. “It is healing, but it is not healing right. It won’t seem to form together. I am going to buy a bone stimulator and try to use that and hopefully that helps.”
The 2017 World Champion says he will follow-up with Freeman in two weeks to see what kind of progress the stimulator makes, but Lockwood added that he could be out for longer than that.
“I told Tandy I want to check with him in two weeks, but he said it is more likely going to be another four to six weeks,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood holds an extremely slim 47.5-point lead on No. 2 Joao Ricardo Vieira in the world standings.
Lockwood will be replaced in the draw by Ruger Piva. The No.38 rider in the world will face off against Chiseled.
Chiseled is coming off an ABBI Classic victory in Belton, Texas, last weekend. He was marked 45 points for bucking off Guthrie Murray in 1.09 seconds.
Fans can watch Round 1 on RidePass Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Lockwood was the best rider going in the PBR prior to his broken collarbone. He won the first two events of the season and led the organization with a 68.42-percent riding average (13-for-19).
The 21-year-old had a 967.5-point lead atop the world standings at the time of his injury.
The Volborg, Montana, bull rider has missed the last four Unleash The Beast events. He had to sit back as his closest competitors in the world standings have closed the gap.
There are now four riders within 870 points of him – No. 2 Vieira(-47.5), No. 3 Jose Vitor Leme (-115.84), No. 4 Chase Outlaw (-380) and No. 5 Luciano de Castro (-870).
Lockwood is crossing his fingers that he will not have to miss another four to six weeks.
“I will try to use the stimulator and use it and in two weeks hopefully I will be good to go,” he concluded.
Follow Justin Felisko on Twitter @jfelisko