Syracuse Orange sophomore cornerback Brandon Reddish is battling a lower-body injury and is "day to day", SU head coach Doug Marrone told the Syracuse media on Thursday. Marrone, who's team will visit the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday (8 p.m. on Big Ten Network), said Reddish suffered the injury during last Saturday's 28-17 victory over Stony Brook and has missed practice this week.
On the SU depth chart Reddish (5'11, 186 pounds) is still listed as a starter, but if he can't play then the Orange will need to rely on junior Keon Lyn and freshmen Julian Whigham and Wayne Morgan to make up for the loss of SU's most athletic defensive back.
Other injury related news revolved around senior left tackle Justin Pugh, an All-Big East First Team selection last season, who will miss Saturday's game but will make his return Friday, Oct. 5, against the Pittsburgh Panthers, said Marrone.
Pugh (6'5, 298) had offseason shoulder surgery and has missed SU's first three games of the season. Junior Sean Hickey (6'5, 285) has been playing well in his place, and is expected to shift to right tackle when Pugh returns.
Also out against the Gophers will be junior punter returner Steve Rene and junior wide receiver Adrian Flemming. Rene missed SU's season-opener but has returned punts in the last two games, while Flemming has yet to play this season. Flemming is slated to make his return against Pitt.
Meanwhile, CuseNation.com is reporting freshman tight end Ron Thompson will miss the entire 2012-13 season due to an injury that will require surgery. Thompson (6'4, 256) has yet to play for the Orange this season.
Another topic Marrone addressed during his media session, was why defensive end John Raymon (6'5, 316) was denied NCAA eligibility earlier this week.
HCDM on NCAA ruling "I don't agree, nor do I understand it... John is devastated...(He) has done nothing wrong." Courageous through process.
— Matt Park (@MattPark1) September 20, 2012
Raymon transferred from the Iowa Hawkeyes to SU prior to the 2012 season, and was looking to gain eligibility to play this season. Marrone said he believed the NCAA made the wrong ruling in the case.
For more on Syracuse football visit the SB Nation blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while The Daily Gophers is all about Minnesota football.