Oct. 24, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami defensive tackle Santonio Thomas and right guard Tyler McMeans both might miss the remainder of the season because of knee injuries.

Each was hurt in Miami's 45-31 victory at North Carolina State on Saturday night.

The extent of either injury wasn't clear; more tests were scheduled on both players, but coach Larry Coker hardly sounded optimistic about the prognosis on Sunday.

"It doesn't look good for the remainder of the season," Coker said.

McMeans would be the second starting offensive lineman Miami has lost for the season. Left tackle Eric Winston, one of the best offensive linemen in the country, ripped up his knee against Georgia Tech on Oct. 2.

McMeans was replaced on Saturday night by redshirt freshman Derrick Morse.

"When you lose two starters, you get thinner in a hurry," Coker said. "I feel good about our offensive line, but we're not where we want to be."

Thomas, a senior starter, also missed virtually all the 2002 season with a shoulder injury.

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