Northern Illinois Huskies running back Cameron Stingily will miss the first four games of the season due to an undisclosed injury, according to Huskiewire.com. Head coach Rod Carey broke the news to reporters after practice on Tuesday.
Stingily was the starter at running back in 2013 and he was an integral part of the offense. He finished 2013 with 1,119 yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards-per-carry. The Huskies already had a tough task in replacing Jordan Lynch at quarterback. Lynch finished with over 4,800 yards of total offense in 2013. Stingily is expected back at some point during the season.
Carey does not seem too concerned. "It's tough to replace him but we knew we would be very, very deep there, and so we are," Carey said. "The next guy's just got to understand there's probably going to be more carries for him, at least early."
Northern Illinois' first four games are versus FCS Presbyterian on August 28, at Northwestern on September 6, at UNLV on September 13, and at Arkansas on September 20. The Huskies have a bye on September 27.
Senior Akeem Daniels is expected to fill in for Stingily. Daniels missed the entire 2013 season with a foot injury, but saw plenty of playing time in 2012. Daniels finished 2012 with 447 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns, as the Huskies ended up going to the Orange Bowl that year. Daniels also caught 20 passes for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Further down the depth chart is senior James Spencer (173 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2013), junior Keith Harris (143 yards and 2 touchdowns), sophomore Joel Bouagnon (86 yards), and redshirt freshman Jordan Huff.