Dave Doeren, who recently described pretty much the entire defensive line as banged up, dropped another scary nugget at the end of his post-practice presser yesterday, indicating that senior wide receiver Quintin Payton has not participated in fall camp due to an undisclosed injury. The sure-handed Payton led the team with 798 receiving yards a year ago and was second with 51 catches.
The loss of a tall, talented receiver is always a big deal, but that is especially the case in an uptempo offense. Doeren said in the press conference that the team will need to play as many as nine receivers. Payton, Bryan Underwood, and Rashard Smith are the only returning receivers to catch 10 or more balls a year ago. Doeren did not indicate the seriousness of Payton's ailment, nor did he indicate whether or not the senior is expected to suit up for the Pack's season opener against Louisiana Tech. The game is just 11 days away.