Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

While most of the sports world is watching the college football line up, there is other sports action underway. The Dallas Mavericks are on the road taking on the Washington Wizards.

Less than a minute into the game, Dirk Nowitzki came up limping. Something happened while making a contested pass at the top of the key. He limps off the court as the ball goes down the other direction before guard Monta Ellis intentionally fouls the ball carrier.

Nowitzki walks straight to the locker room where he got his ankle re-taped and returned to the game.

Dirk Nowitzki is having his left ankle re-taped and will return.

— Jeff Platt (@jeffplatt) January 1, 2014

Dirk Nowitzki returned after getting ankle re-taped & got a louder ovation than any #wizards did during pre-game introductions

— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) January 1, 2014

Dirk Nowitzki had his left ankle retaped and is heading back to the court shortly.

— Ed Sefko (@ESefko) January 1, 2014