Sep 16, 2017; Akron, OH, USA; Iowa State Cyclones offensive linemen Bryce Meeker (74) blocks Akron Zips linebacker Jamal Davis II (9) in the third quarter at InfoCision Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
AMES — When Bryce Meeker went down during Saturday’s 14-7 win over TCU, everyone associated with Iowa State football held their collective breaths.
The much-improved sophomore offensive tackle appeared to sustain a severe leg injury — and did, but it could have been much worse.
“Bryce is going to be out,” ISU coach Matt Campbell said at Monday’s weekly news conference. “The amount of time I don’t know. The positive is it’s not an ACL injury, which we were all nervous about.”
Redshirt freshman Sean Foster will assume the starting role at right tackle in Meeker’s indefinite absence.
He’s played plenty of snaps already and Campbell’s confident in his ability, while still looking forward to Meeker’s eventual return.
“We will get Bryce back at some point,” Campbell said. “When, exactly when that will be, I don’t know, but I will certainly keep everybody abreast of when that is.”
Campbell also said impressive freshman running back Johnnie Lang is back on the practice field, and “looks pretty good.”
“Again, I think it’s as you get in, you certainly have a guy like that can continue to be available, but when and how we would us him, I think that’s got to be a really educated decision,” Campbell said. “And if not, you put him back on the back burner a little bit.”
Campbell reiterated that starting D-tackle Ray Lima should be fine for this week’s game at West Virginia. Fellow JUCO transfer defensive lineman Matt Leo, Campbell added, will be shut down for the season in hopes of receiving a medical redshirt.
“Matt, we’re kind of shutting down a little bit,” Campbell said. “Matt’s dealt with some injuries since he’s gotten here. Trying to be really smart with him. I think there’s a lot of high-end potential at the end of Matt’s career and we want to do what’s best for Matt Leo.”
