Two-time world champion saddle bronc rider Cody Wright is out for Rounds 8 and 9 and is doubtful for the final night of the 2014 season Saturday.
Wright suffered a left shoulder dislocation and sprain Wednesday night. The joint in his riding arm was put back in place at the hospital.
“It makes me sick, it really does,” Wright told NFR Insider Neal Reid on Thursday afternoon. “I hate to turn out in the middle of the year, let alone coming here and doing it. But like I told these boys of mine, I could get on and ride, but I’m here riding the best horses in the world against the best cowboys in the world.
“Can I get on and be competitive? No, I don’t think I can. I could get on and tough it out and hopefully not hurt myself, but I’m more likely to hurt myself worse and be out more next year.”
Wright will have to make a decision as to whether he will ride in the 10th round, but the chances seem to be slim given the severity of the injury. He entered the NFR second in the world standings and has earned $19,309 through seven rounds, placing just twice.
He stands at $130,394 for the season and has been pushed to No. 4 in the standings. He was third in the average after the seventh round.