ISU fullback injures knee

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POCATELLO -- As if trying to establish a running game against Northern Arizona -- a team that has allowed 43 rushing yards in its six games -- wasn't challenging enough for the Idaho State football team, it may be without the services of fullback Jayson Bird.

Coach John Zamberlin announced at his weekly Monday news conference that the senior from Shelley was set for an MRI later in the day to determine the extent of a knee injury he suffered during Saturday's 29-9 loss at Northern Colorado.

Bird injured a knee -- Zamberlin couldn't recall which one -- while serving on the kick return unit against the Bears. Zamberlin said Bird likely tore his ACL, and the MRI would show whether or not the tear was complete.

"If it's not torn all the way through, he wants to play," Zamberlin said. "For him, there is no tomorrow."

Zamberlin said team physician Dr. Tony Joseph said at the time that the wet surface at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colo., probably saved Bird from a complete ACL tear because there was added give because of the moisture.

Bird is third on the team this season with 71 rushing yards, and he's still listed as the starting fullback on the Bengals' depth chart released Monday.

If Bird is unable to go, Idaho State will be down to senior Ken Cornist, junior Clint Knickrehm and senior Kenyon Blue in the backfield.

"We've got some guys who are very good players there," Zamberlin said, "but it not only hurts your depth at running back, Jayson has been playing special teams for us and been doing a good job."

With or without Bird, Zamberlin said establishing the running game will be vital in Saturday's homecoming matchup against the 5-1 Lumberjacks.

The Bengals are only averaging 76.7 rushing yards a game and had a paltry 25 net rushing yards in the loss to Northern Colorado.

"We're gonna go back to fundamentals and what we do well," Zamberlin said.

Other injuries

Senior cornerback D.J. Clark had an X-ray taken on his neck Monday, Zamberlin said.

Clark suffered a stinger in the Northern Colorado game, but Zamberlin expects Clark to play against Northern Arizona, although he'll likely avoid all contact during practice this week.

Senior middle linebacker Brad Rife is expected to miss a third straight game with a dislocated elbow, which he suffered in the Sept. 27 loss at Eastern Washington. Junior Nic Edgson is again listed as the starter in Rife's stead.

Freshman safety A.J. Storms, who suffered a high ankle sprain during the Sept. 18 loss to North Dakota, played against the Bears after missing two games. Storms is listed as the starter at free safety along with senior Rashaad Richards, while sophomore Keith Goins Jr. is listed as the starter at strong safety.

"It's good to have A.J. back," Zamberlin said.

The status of several of the other players who missed the game at Northern Colorado -- including redshirt freshman defensive tackle Scott Milbourn -- is still up in the air.

"We've still gotta look at that injury report and see if some of those guys who were injured before can come back," Zamberlin said.

Change at kicker

Barring a disastrous week of practice, junior Mike Ramos should assume the placekicking duties in the place of junior Jarrett Huk.

So far this season, Huk has made only one of five field goal attempts, although none has come from closer than 40 yards.

"We're gonna go with Mike Ramos and give him a shot," Zamberlin said. "It's probably time -- unless he messes up terribly in practice -- to see what he can do."

Huk will continue to kick off. He's recorded six touchbacks on 22 kickoffs this season.

"He's a good kicker. He is," Zamberlin said. "He's just gotta get his mind back, that confidence back. That you step up and know that you're gonna knock it through."

Miscellaneous

n The Big Sky has notified Zamberlin that the offensive pass interference call against junior Jaron Taylor in the 33-21 loss against Montana State on Oct. 4 was incorrect. The penalty nullified a 29-yard touchdown pass from Russel Hill to Taylor that would've tied the score 21-21 late in the second half. Instead, the Bengals had to settle for a 45-yard field goal attempt, which Huk missed.

n Senior defensive tackle Demetrius Amos was ejected in the first half of the Northern Colorado game after throwing a punch. He sat out the second half, so he will be allowed to play Saturday against Northern Arizona.

"When you do those things, it's being selfish," Zamberlin said. "We're already depleted on the defensive line, and now we were further depleting ourselves by doing that. Did that cost us the game? No. Did it cause us problems and hurt us? Sure."

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