Tuckness injured at NFR helping bullrider

His injury was announced as part of the Justin Sportsmedicine report in an NFR release.

Nikki Tate, who runs Mo Betta Rodeo with husband Maury – both are close friends of Tuckness – said she had talked with Tuckness around 2 a.m. Saturday and he was in good spirits.

“He’s thankful it wasn’t his head, neck or back,” she said. “His leg will heal and he’ll be fine. For as long as he’s been doing it, he’s been very fortunate not to have too many injuries like this.”

Tuckness had rushed in to save bull rider Braden Richardson following his 89-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bouchon, according to the NFR release. The bull then stepped on Tuckness’ leg.

“You know when Dusty lets himself be carried out, you know it’s bad,” Tate said.

She said Maury and she quickly worked to help, including getting Tuckness’ truck back to Oklahoma, where he lives in the offseason near the Tates.

Nikki said he suffered an open fracture of both bones in his lower left leg and, according to Dr. Tandy Freeman in a post by the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, he had surgery to insert a metal rod. Recovery is expected to take six months.

Nikki said Sunday that the Saturday surgery had gone well.

“He went to watch the NFR last night to watch the last performance,” she said. “He came through great.”

People can donate to his recovery fund at justincowboycrisisfund.org.