Injury updates

A few quick offensive injuries to update on as the CMU football team practices this week:

• Junior quarterback Dan LeFevour is "doing some things" in practice this week, according to coach Butch Jones. But obviously, the team wants to play it smart in letting his right ankle rest up enough to be 100 percent, or at least close to it, when Saturday rolls around.
  
• Sophomore center Colin Miller had knee surgery last Friday and is definitely out for some time. I did see Miller snapping the ball in practice on Tuesday, but his leg was wrapped up and he was by no means doing any intense activity. Jones wouldn't rule out the rest of the season just yet, but don't expect him on the field against Western or for some time after that. Junior Joe McMahon, normally the starting right guard, looks to fill the center role until Miller returns while junior Allen Ollenburger plays right guard.
  
• Sophomore left guard Jeff Maddux will return Saturday after sitting out against Temple with an illness.

One thing to consider with all these injuries: The absence of Colin Miller was more apparent than many think in the Chippewas' 24-14 win against Temple last Saturday. While neither LeFevour nor backup Brian Brunner lost a snap in the game, there were several high snaps that caused the quarterback to take off running rather than set up a play. This problem shouldn't be as apparent on Saturday since McMahon has a game under his belt at the center position, but it's worth noting because it seemed like that affected the offense's ability to create plays.

Expect another update tomorrow, and a lot of coverage in Friday's edition of CM Life. We're breaking out five key players from each team, an extended preview, breakdowns plus staff picks. And more, of course.