Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star, NBA prospect carried off floor against Tennessee State

Iowa State has had an incredible season, but the Cyclones may have lost one of their most important players in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson suffered an injury that forced him to leave the game early against No. 15 Tennessee State. Jefferson is a fourth-year player in his second season with the Cyclones and has played in 69 games over the past two seasons.

While Iowa State can likely handle the first round matchup without Jefferson, the injury could have a lingering impact beyond Friday. Here's an update on Jefferson's status.

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Joshua Jefferson injury update

Early in the first quarter against Tennessee State, Joshua Jefferson needed to be helped off the floor. The forward appeared to injure his left ankle and couldn't put weight on it, as he needed help going to the locker room.

Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson was helped off the floor after an apparent ankle injury pic.twitter.com/R4xaFzgsJU

According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Jefferson went back to the locker room to get x-rays on his ankle.

Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson was just helped off the floor after a left ankle injury. He's getting X-rays, per the broadcast. Would be a huge loss.

Jefferson is the team's leading rebounder and is second on the team on points per game. While Iowa State should be able to beat Tennessee State without him, the Cyclones need Jefferson to make a deep run.

*This story will be updated*