Scott Wolf is reporting that Kris O'Dowd will not be ready for the opener.
In terms of how that'll affect the starting line-up, Jeff Byers will take over the center spot and Alex Parsons will move to RG.
Starting center Kristofer O'Dowd, regarded as a linchpin for an experienced line expected to ease the transition of a new quarterback, suffered a dislocated right kneecap during the first series of a scrimmage Monday night at the Coliseum.
O'Dowd, a junior coming off shoulder surgery, went down at the end of a mistake-prone first series on a running play that ended with Joe McKnight's fumble.
Senior Alex Parsons replaced O'Dowd, who is expected to be sidelined three to four weeks.
If 3-4 weeks is the right amount of time for this to heal, which in my zero medical knowledge seems hard to believe, that means Kris could possibly be back in time for the Ohio State game.
There is inevitably some drop-off when a potential All-American like Kris goes down with an injury, but I'm more than confident of Alex Parsons as a back-up. Alex has been solid on both sides of the line since his freshman year.
Pretty shocking to me. I thought Alex looked great at DT, but I guess the coaching staff thinks he'll make a better OT. I really liked his motor at the Spring scrimmage, maybe he'll have a nasty streak much like Baker.