FARGO - Garrett Bruhn and Jesse Hinz, two North Dakota State football players with starting experience, will most likely be lost for the season.
Hinz, a junior, pulled a pectoral muscle and will seek a medical hardship, said NDSU head coach Craig Bohl. Bruhn, a senior, has nerve damage in his shoulder and a decision on his status will be made later in the season. At the least, he won't participate in fall camp, which starts next week.
Bohl indicated if Bruhn does play, it probably wouldn't be until the tail end of the year. He could also seek a medical hardship.
"We'll play that one by ear," Bohl said.
Hinz and Bruhn did not redshirt as freshmen, but a medical hardship would still preserve a year of eligibility should something else happen.
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The 6-foot-1, 244-pound Bruhn played fullback as a freshman before being moved to tight end the last couple of years. He had 11 receptions for 145 yards, an average of 10.4 yards per catch.
His absence likely means the position will be a battle between juniors Kevin Vaadeland and Taylor Nelson. Vaadeland had five catches last year and Nelson two. Freshmen Derek Lee and Luke Albers are coming off their redshirt seasons.
Hinz came out of spring football as one of three players in the mix for the starting right tackle spot along with junior Jeff Jerve and sophomore Jason Pomerenke. Jerve has battled knee ailments for more than a year, but that may finally be behind him, Bohl said.
"The indications I've been getting is he's moving around well," Bohl said.
Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack can be reached at (701) 241-5546.
Kolpack's NDSU media blog can be found
at www.areavoices.com/bisonmedia
Kolpack is the host of the WDAY Golf Show Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. on 970-AM.
