San Diego State head coach Rocky Long reported sophomore offensive lineman Joe Salcedo will have surgery on Monday to repair his left patellar tendon and will be out for the season.
Salcedo injured his knee in Tuesday's practice during a one-on-one passing drill. The Aztecs already were down a lineman with the summer injury to sophomore Ryan Pope (lung contusion), who is expected to return after the first month of play.
Salcedo backed up Pearce Slater. Slater and Darrell Greene are now in NFL camps as free agents. Salcedo was the starting right tackle coming out of spring practice before tight end Daniel Brunskill was moved there two weeks ago. Even though Brunskill is starting right tackle, it's important to have reliable backup.
Seniors Kwayde Miller and Brunskill are the starters at left and right tackle, respectively, so the Aztecs are looking for depth at the position.
Long mentioned freshmen Tyler Roemer and Keith Ismael may now find themselves on the line. The Aztecs have two weeks to fine-tune the situation. They open the season Sept. 3 against New Hampshire.
According to coach Long, "That hurts our depth on the corners at tackle."
On a brighter note, Junior wide receiver Christian Cumberlander rejoined the team on Thursday, returning from Georgia where he had been attending to a family matter.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Mason Hall also returned, assuming the spot left open when sophomore walk-on Brandon Jones quit the team.
SDSU freshman wide receiver Isiah Macklin (hamstring) has returned to practice.