Injury report: Motowski 'probably done for good', no timetable for McNary
Chicago defensive back Dishon McNary celebrates during the Chippewas game against Florida International University Sept. 25 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Central Michigan's football team will be without three key contributors heading into its 3:30 Saturday matchup with Miami (Ohio), coach Jim McElwain announced Wednesday.
Defensive back Dishon McNary, offensive lineman Danny Motowski and special teams ace Brendan Barker will not be with the team for the game. Running back Darius Bracy remains out with an MCL injury, while defensive end LaQuan Johnson is questionable.
McNary suffered what appeared to be an ankle dislocation celebrating a play made by fellow defensive back Donte Kent late in the Chippewas' 31-27 win over Florida International Sept. 25. McElwain said there is no timetable for his return.
In McNary's absence, freshman Daedae Hill will make his first collegiate start at cornerback. Other options at the position include juniors Richard Bowens III and Rollian Sturkey and freshman Elijah Rikard along with Kent, who will start opposite Hill.
"We'll go in with a rotation like we do," McElwain said. "But know this, I've got confidence in those guys. They prove it during practice, and we've just gotta go make some of those plays while the ball is in the air during the games."
Motowski is "probably done for good," according to McElwain, with a back injury. The sophomore from De La Salle High School started the Chippewas' season opener at Missouri, but has been dealing with the injury ever since.
Sophomore Tyden Ferris has started the last three games at left guard in place of Motowski and will continue to do so. Behind Ferris, there's redshirt freshmen Vashon Bailey and Cade Klimczak, along with greyshirt freshmen Keegan Smith and Braden Doyle. Deiyantei Powell-Woods will make his fourth start at right guard.
Barker, meanwhile, is dealing with an undisclosed injury that will hold him out of the game. A linebacker, Barker plays primarily on special teams. He's played 25 snaps according to Pro Football Focus, all on special teams.
Johnson missed the Chippewas' matchup with FIU after re-aggrivating an injury. There's optimism that he will play, but his status is uncertain.
"(He) did some things (Tuesday), we'll see how it goes (Wednesday)," McElwain said. "But we're hoping to get him back and at least get some plays out of him."
