Northern Illinois coach Joe Novak took a tough but expected 1-2 punch when he heard the medical reports on injuries to tailbacks Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris.
Trainer Phil Voorhis told Novak that Wolfe, a junior from Holy Cross, would be sidelined indefinitely by a knee injury. Harris, a senior from Wheaton North, has a shoulder injury and was listed as questionable.
Both backs were injured in Saturday’s 24-8 homecoming victory over Eastern Michigan. Wolfe rushed for 161 yards and Harris for 89, and each scored a touchdown.
Senior Adrian Davis rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries Saturday. He is listed as this week’s starter, backed up by Harris and redshirt freshman Montell Clanton.
“Adrian Davis has not had a lot of opportunities,” Novak said. “He’s a good back. I’ve said all along he’s no Garrett Wolfe, but there aren’t many Garrett Wolfes around.”
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Next: Saturday at Kent State, noon