The NIU wrestling team will be without senior Alexis Rivera for at least the first two weeks of the upcoming season.

Rivera broke the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand during wrestling practice last month when he attempted a shot-in and his opponent fell on it.

“I got up and kept wrestling,” he said. “I didn’t really feel it. It hurt a little bit.”

Rivera found out it was broken the next day.

“I was lifting on it and it started to swell up,” he said. “I think I might have injured it a little bit more.”

Rivera will miss the Stevens Point Open this Saturday and the Michigan State Open on Nov. 17-18. He is hoping to return for the team’s first dual meet against Mid-American Conference rivals Eastern Michigan and Buffalo on Nov. 25.

Rivera has continued to work out since his injury, but has been limited to running and cardiovascular exercises. He says his cast will be removed sometime in the next two weeks.

Despite the injury, Rivera still is expected to start in the 125-pound weight class. If he’s not ready by the Nov. 25, fellow 125-pound wrestler Marlon Felton likely will replace him.

Last season Rivera was 11-10 overall and 4-0 wrestling in the 125-pound weight class. Felton was 14-16 overall in 125.

NIU wrestling coach Dave Grant thinks Rivera will overcome the injury.

“He’s a tough kid,” he said. “If your going to get hurt, getting hurt early is the best time. We’re just coming out of the gate now so he’ll be fine.”