Appalachian State loses starting defensive back

Appalachian State defensive back Doug Middleton will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury he suffered in Saturday's season-opening loss against East Carolina.

Middleton played in all 12 games last season as a freshman, starting two games at free safety. Before injuring his ankle, he had five tackles and returned a kickoff 29 yards versus ECU.

The sophomore, from Winston-Salem, N.C., will apply for a medical redshirt, which most likely will be granted and should have three years of eligibility remaining.

The Mountaineers must also deal with a hand injury to Rod Chisholm, a senior who made his first start at running back on Saturday. Chisholm is expected to miss four to six weeks.