Rutgers is relatively healthy exiting its 35-7 season-opening win over Texas State, but the one significant injury it appears to have suffered could be a key one.

Redshirt freshman Tijuan Mason exited in the second half of the game with an apparent fracture in his leg.

"I think he has a fracture," Ash said. "That will be a long-term injury."

It's a tough blow for Rutgers and for Mason. The Memphis native had a strong training camp and was the backup jack defensive end behind Elorm Lumor. That's a position where Rutgers has depth concerns after end C.J. Onyechi was one of eight players arrested last week in connection with an alleged credit card fraud scam. Onyechi remains suspended indefinitely pending a Sept. 13 court date.

With Mason sidelined, Rutgers could opt to use outside linebackers to cover up any need at jack, or use other defensive ends at the spot.

In other Rutgers injury news:

CB Blessuan Austin: The star corner was injured on a first-half interception, but Ash indicated he sat out the rest of the game for precautionary reasons. Austin appeared to injure his leg, but he ran full-speed sprints on the sideline before taking the rest of the game off.

CB Tre Avery: Avery did not dress due to what Ash said was a minor injury. "He was banged up," Ash said. "He could have went today if it was an emergency. We wanted to save him."

LT Tariq Cole: Cole was limited throughout training camp and in practice this past week, and Ash revealed there was some consideration given to resting him. But the three-year starter and co-captain told the coaching staff he was good to go, and Cole played. He was limping at times, but he and Ash said he came through fine. Cole did take some series off in the second half.

S Kiy Hester: Hester was shaken up on a special teams play and appeared to be favoring his ankle, but no specific update was given. Ash did say during his press conference he doesn't expect any injuries beyond Mason's to be long-term issues.

James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.