http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
FROM KEITH GROLLER
In addition to the four players who have been suspended for an off-campus incident in Bethlehem on Tuesday night, including one, sophomore defensive back Russhon Phillips who was arrested, the Lehigh football team has had to deal with several key injuries as it prepares for Saturday night's game at Princeton.
Senior captain Nigel Muhammad, a starting outside linebacker, is considered doubtful for the game because of a quad injury, and his backup, sophomore Matt Laub from Parkland, is definitely out for the Princeton game with a shoulder injury.
Barring a stunning recovery by Muhammad, Mathew Verdon, a sophomore, will start for Lehigh and junior Tashan Mitchell will be his backup.
"Nigel will travel, but it will be a game-time deal and if he plays, it will be sparingly," Lehigh coach Andy Coen said. "Nigel got injured against Central Connecticut State and it got re-injured last week at Monmouth."
In addition, starting tight end Tyler Coyle is considered a "50-50 shot" at best to play in the game. He missed the game at Monmouth with a shoulder injury. Junior Dylan Colgate will take his place if Coyle can't go.
Also, starting center Matt Lippincott, a senior from Wilson, is also injured with a back ailment. If he can't go, freshman Brandon Short will start in his place.
According to Coen, Laub is improving.
"He met with the doctor earlier this week and he will be further evaulated," Coen said. "But he definitely won't play this week."
So, the Mountain Hawks, who are ranked No. 18 and No. 22 in the two national FCS polls, will be encountering a considerable amount of adversity as they face a Princeton team playing its season opener.
"This [week] could be something we look back at," Coen said. "I don't feel good about what has happened, but how we come through this could be very important."
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