One of Rutgers’ thinnest position groups has suffered a big blow days before the regular season begins.

Redshirt sophomore tight end Johnathan Lewis suffered a “serious” injury during practice Monday, his father said Tuesday morning on a public Rutgers Facebook group. Lewis suffered an Achilles injury, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Knight Report first reported Lewis had suffered an injury.

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Lewis, who permanently moved to tight end from quarterback in the spring, should now miss the entire season. The 6-foot-3, 239-pound St. Peter’s Prep product had been limited with an apparent foot injury for most of training camp, but he was expected to be ready for Friday’s season opener against UMass at SHI Stadium in Piscataway.

What it means: Lewis’ loss is one Rutgers did not need at this point. There was internal optimism Lewis was set for a breakout season at his new position and the Scarlet Knights’ depth at tight end was already a major concern.

Graduate transfer addition Kyle Penniston has not practiced for weeks with an apparent foot injury. Lewis’ injury leaves Rutgers with one healthy scholarship tight end – UCLA transfer and redshirt freshman Matt Alaimo, who will be making his college debut against UMass.

Who steps up? Two walk-ons - true freshman Cooper Heisey, who converted to tight end from quarterback at the tail end of spring practice, and redshirt freshman H-back Brandon Myers – will likely be pushed into increased roles in the offense. Rutgers also has walk-on tight ends Ryan Cassidy, Jake Malaney and Jonathan Pimentel on the roster.

Rutgers used right tackle Reggie Sutton as a blocking tight end in four games last season, but the redshirt freshman has been out all of training camp and is not expected to play Friday. But he could be an answer upon his return.

Hits keep coming: Rutgers has had a rough go at the tight end position since the end of last season. The Scarlet Knights were hit hard by attrition during the offseason - Jerome Washington graduated while Nakia Griffin-Stewart (Pitt) and Travis Vokolek (Nebraska) left the program as transfers. Now injuries have ravaged the position group.

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