As if Maryland’s offensive line needed another issue, the Terps will be without senior guard Bennett Fulper for Saturday’s homecoming game against N.C. State.
Two other offensive lineman are also in the injury report.
Sal Conaboy (ankle) is doubtful and Justin Gilbert (knee) is questionable
Fulper has turf toe and also seems to have an ankle problem. He had started every game for the Terps this season at left guard. Junior Josh Cary is likely to take his place.
Also out Saturday: safety Matt Robinson (groin) and wide receiver Kerry Boykins (hip/groin).
It will be the third straight game missed for Robinson, who has battled a spate of injuries since the beginning of last season.
Terps coaches are waiting for Robinson’s return – he can now run on a treadmill and change direction – so the team can again pair two big, experienced safeties: Robinson and Eric Franklin.
Robinson may be back in a week.
In Robinson’s absence, freshman Anthony Nixon is expected to start alongside Franklin. Nixon has made relatively few mistakes for a first-year defensive back. He told me he was nervous before his first start – against Wake Forest – but not so much last week against Virginia. He had a first-quarter interception that led to a score.
Another injury note: Running back Wes Brown (shoulder) is listed as questionable. He missed the Virginia game – a contest in which the Terps rushed for minus-2 yards.
If the Terps rush for zero yards against the Wolfpack, that will be a statistical improvement (“Gentlemen, let’s go out and get zero!”).
Seriously, Terps observers have been impressed with Brown. He’s got size (210 pounds) and quickness, and his return could help a running game that Maryland knows it needs to jump-start.
And, finally:
We know Maryland will one day wear those "Pride" uniforms that generated so much buzz last season. Will Saturday's homecoming game be the day? I'm guessing not. But I expect to see the "Pride" a bit later in the season.
Here is the injury report:
QB | C.J. Brown | Knee | Out for the season |
PK/P | Nick Ferrara | Hip | Out for the season |
DL | Andre Monroe | Knee | Out for the season |
WR | Kerry Boykins | Hip/Groin | Out |
OL | Bennett Fulper | Foot | Out |
DB | Matt Robinson | Groin | Out |
OL | Sal Conaboy | Ankle | Doubtful |
DL | Justin Anderson | Ankle | Questionable |
RB | Wes Brown | Shoulder | Questionable |
OL | Justin Gilbert | Knee | Questionable |
OL | De'Onte Arnett | Ankle | Probable |
LB | Darin Drakeford | Thigh | Probable |
DL | A.J. Francis | Back | Probable |
LB | L.A. Goree | Neck | Probable |
DL | Darius Kilgo | Ankle | Probable |
OL | Nick Klemm | Knee | Probable |
LB | Kenneth Tate | Knee | Probable |
DL | Joe Vellano | Foot | Probable |
