Albany

If the University at Albany football team is to pull off an upset in its season opener, the Great Danes will have to do it without preseason All-America running back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks.

Head coach Greg Gattuso announced Tuesday that Ibitokun-Hanks will miss the game at Old Dominion because of lingering issues with his left knee, which underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery last December. He strained his medial collateral ligament in the same knee two weeks ago.

He still hasn't practiced since the most recent mishap.

"He won't make the trip, and he's not going to play, for sure," Gattuso said. "He's struggling, but again, with these things, it's just a comfort level. He's gotten more advanced this week. He's certainly progressed. Hopefully, we can progress him some more next week."

Gattuso said Ibitokun-Hanks will be re-evaluated next week for his availability at Morgan State.

Redshirt junior Kendall Rodgers Jr. will get the start and be backed up by true freshman Karl Mofor.

Lori Van Buren

"I'm very much prepared and ready for this game," Rodgers said.

Rodgers ran for 154 yards on 53 carries last season while backing up Ibitokun-Hanks, who finished with 1,388 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"I think these two (Rodgers and Mofor) are really ready to go and I feel good about them," Gattuso said.

msingelais@timesunion.com • 518-454-5509 • @MarkSingelais