DeKALB | When Indiana State running back Tony West cuts across the line of scrimmage Saturday, he won’t be running into NIU linebacker Tim McCarthy.

At 2:05 p.m. Saturday, when NIU (1-2) hosts Indiana State (0-3), McCarthy and his sprained right shoulder won’t be in action, said head athletic trainer Phil Voorhis.

Senior outside linebacker Keenan Blalark will move to the middle linebacker spot. Josh Allen is listed at weak-side linebacker behind Blalark on NIU’s depth chart.

Cory Hanson started the last two games at the opposite outside linebacker position, but redshirt freshman David Bryant and freshman John Tranchitella may see time.

“We miss Phil Brown,” said NIU coach Joe Novak of the sophomore linebacker, who is out for this season with a right knee injury. “Our guys are not consistent in pass coverage and people are getting third downs on us. Until we get a better feel, we have a ways to go there.”

McCarthy’s absence comes right after NIU defensive lineman Craig Rusch and Zack Holycross returned from injuries.

Rusch was stepped on in practice Aug. 28. A cut the sophomore suffered on his right leg became infected, forcing him to miss the first three games of 2006 after leading NIU with six sacks a year ago.

A 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior, Holycross broke his hand against Ohio State. Holycross was wearing a cast last week and didn’t play, but will be available for Saturday’s game with the cast still on.

“The defensive line is the hardest position to play a lot of plays,” Novak said. “If you’re in a four-man front like we are, you’d like to have eight guys to rotate in.”

On the opposite side of the ball, the Huskies may lose back-up running back Montell Clanton for the rest of the season. The sophomore tore his meniscus in his right knee after running for 93 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo.

Voorhis said Clanton had still not decided whether or not he would have surgery as of Thursday evening. The 5-foot-9 Clanton would not be able to receive a medical redshirt if he decides to have surgery.

Sean Connor is an NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.

Moving in behind Clanton to back-up NIU running back Garrett Wolfe are redshirt freshman Justin Anderson and junior Cas Prime.

“Garrett’s not carrying the ball as much numbers-wise,” Novak said. “But if we need to get him 35 carries we will.”

Sean Connor is an NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.