For a second straight week, Monday’s injury update started with a player that no one knew was going to be out until moments before the game.
In the middle of pregame warm ups on Saturday, multiple outlets began reporting that starting running back British Brooks, who was coming off a stellar performance in the opener, would be doubtful for the game with a lower-body injury. The good news is the run game was simply flawless in his absence, running for 319 yards and five touchdowns led by one of the better rushing games in program history for Omarion Hampton. The even better news is that Brooks is expected to be back in practice this week, and Brown “feels good” about him for Saturday with Minnesota.
The other guy that Brown has a good feeling about when it comes to Saturday is offensive guard Ed Montilus, who was also absent from the Appalachian State game with a lower-body injury. While there is a chance that he could be active this weekend, this shouldn’t mean that he returns to a starting role after what we’ve seen from Willie Lampkin at that spot in his absence.
One player that we know for sure will be “ready to go” is transfer wide receiver Nate McCollum. The Georgia Tech transfer was a late scratch for the opener against South Carolina and played just nine snaps in Saturday’s home opener, but Brown said that he expects to see more of him this week against Minnesota.
When it comes to John Copenhaver, there was no update as to when his right hand will be out of the club that prevented him from being targeted a single time on Saturday. With Copenhaver limited to just 21 snaps and unable to affect the passing game as a receiver, the tight ends were targeted just four times and only hauled in one reception. This passing game, which is struggling to find consistent separation, needs him back as soon as possible.
What about Will Hardy?