Injuries hamper Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky expects to get back its starting quarterback this week, but the Colonels could be missing two key receivers because of injuries.

Fourth-year starting quarterback T.J. Pryor, who did not play in last Saturday's 48-6 loss to Purdue because of a preseason hamstring injury, is expected to play in Saturday's home opener against Morehead State.

But senior wide receiver Tyrone Goard took a knee to the helmet in the loss and has a concussion, and junior tight Matt Lengel suffered a knee injury, the Richmond Register reported Wednesday.

EKU coach Dean Hood said he wasn't sure whether either player would play Saturday, adding Lengel will have an MRI on Wednesday.

Goard was an All-Ohio Valley Conference second-team selection with 39 receptions for 627 yards and 11 touchdown, while Lengel had 14 catches last year, including two touchdowns.

EKU, the OVC's preseason favorite, is ranked No. 21 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25.