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UNM football: Starting right guard listed as questionable against Nevada
UNM head coach Jason Eck embraces Richard Pearce (78) after the Lobos scored a touchdown during the UNM’s home opener against Idaho State on Sept. 6.
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New Mexico starting right guard Richard Pearce is questionable for Saturday’s game against Nevada, per an availability report released by the Mountain West on Thursday.
The 6-foot-2, 311-pound redshirt senior and team captain was observed in a walking boot during practice this week after leaving last Saturday’s 41-25 loss at Boise State with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Jason Eck said Tuesday that Pearce was set to receive an MRI that night, and if the former East Carolina transfer was available, he likely wouldn’t play the whole game.
“He’s, I don’t know, questionable or doubtful ... we’ll see how he comes along,” Eck added. “He’s pretty tough, I know that.”
If Pearce is unable to play, UNM is expected to turn to Jaymar Tasi at right guard. The 6-2, 308-pound freshman replaced Pearce against Boise State and has played 153 snaps this year, repping at both guard spots and as a fullback/tight end hybrid.
“It kind of means I have to really up my tempo,” Tasi said when asked about starting. “I’ve been playing with the (backups), I’ve been trying my best to play like the (starters). But now that I actually have it in front of me, I gotta play ... faster than ever.”
Linebackers Ky’Won McCray and Dimitri Johnson are also listed as questionable entering Saturday. Johnson did not play last week after suffering an undisclosed injury against San Jose State, with Eck saying his status was “up in the air” as of Tuesday. Neither Johnson nor McCray were observed practicing Wednesday.
A second report will be released three hours before Saturday’s game. All Mountain West teams are required to submit availability reports without injury specifics prior to each league contest.
UNM’s availability report (as of Thursday, Oct. 16):
• OL Richard Pearce – Questionable
• OL Tevin Shaw – Questionable
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• LB Ky’Won McCray – Questionable
• LB Dimitri Johnson – Questionable
• S Austin Brawley – Out (Full Game)
• WR Michael Buckley – Out (Full Game)
• DB C.J. Johnson – Out (Full Game)
• DB Clint Stephens – Out (Full Game)
• S Nick Wheeler – Out (Full Game)
• CB Abraham Williams – Out (Full Game)
• OL Elvin Harris – Out (Season)
• CB Jayden Sheridan – Out (Season)
