Georgia State wide receiver Donovan Harden could return for Saturday’s game at New Mexico State.
Harden, the team's leading receiver last year, missed the past three weeks of practice including last week's season-opening to loss to Charlotte because of a broken foot. Coach Trent Miles said there is a broad window for Harden's return. It could be as early as Saturday, or it could happen in three weeks when the team hosts Liberty.
“It depends upon how he moves and feels and what the doctors tell me,” Miles said.
Harden wasn’t wearing a walking boot or using crutches on Monday or Tuesday, but also wasn’t participating in any receiver drills.
Harden led the Panthers with 55 receptions for 827 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a junior.
He was named a preseason all-conference performer and then suffered a broken foot during a non-contact drill in August.
He was missed in last week’s 23-20 loss to Charlotte as the Panthers’ passing game struggled to gain any consistency until the fourth quarter.
Harden's return should more than help the offense overcome the loss Avery Sweeting, who suffered a broken collarbone in the last week's game. He is expected to miss four weeks. Like Harden, Sweeting also plays in the slot.
Offensive line moves: Starting center Taylor Evans was held out of practice so that he can rest before Saturday's game. Gabe Mobley filled in with the first team at center on Tuesday.
In other moves on the offensive line, Alex Stoehr worked with the first team at right guard and Davis Moore shifted over to left guard, replacing Kelepi Folau. Miles said he’s not sure if that starting duo will remain until the end of the week.
The line struggled against a blitzing Charlotte defense, giving up two sacks and numerous pressures in the passing game, and failing to conistently create running lanes as the Panthers rushed for 93 yards.
More injury updates: Running back Kendrick Dorn is scheduled to have an arthroscopic procedure done on his knee that Miles said happen this week. He won't know how much time Dorn will miss until the procedure is complete. Miles said Dorn could be out anywhere from two weeks to the season. Dorn is a junior who has a redshirt year available.
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