Gophers will have to adjust to life without Decker

Music usually is playing as the Gophers football team starts its practices. But it was quiet Tuesday, perhaps a sign of how important this week of preparation will be.

So it was easy to hear Troy Stoudermire trying to pump up the rest of the receivers. He felt he had to; it's what Eric Decker usually does, and now someone else had to take the job.

"I had to get out there and get the guys running around, laughing, working," Stoudermire said. "We had to keep our heads up."

That's because another key member of the team has been injured. Decker's sprained left foot is severe enough that it might require surgery, which would end the senior's Gophers career. If surgery is not needed, coach Tim Brewster said there was a chance Decker could return for a bowl game, should the Gophers qualify.

In any event, the Gophers will finish the final four games of the regular season without their biggest star.

"It's tough right now," said quarterback Adam Weber, Decker's roommate and one of his best friends on the team. "It's a big blow, but he's a strong person, strong mentally and physically. And we know, if there is anybody who can face adversity like this, it is probably Eric. He has a lot of support, with his family and friends, support to stay positive and keep a strong mind. He's going to be fine."

But how about the Gophers offense?

The unit sputtered at times, even with Decker in the lineup the past two games. The Gophers (4-4) -- who play host to Michigan State (4-4) this Saturday night -- relied heavily on Decker, who was able to play any of the wide receiver positions.

Through eight games, his 50 receptions were 31 more than any other Gopher. Decker is fourth in the Big Ten in receptions and second in receiving yards per game

It is a sad irony that on Monday, as the extent of his injury was becoming clear, Decker was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award -- which honors the top receiver in college football -- for the second consecutive season.

It is also the second season in a row that the Gophers have had to figure out how to carry on without their injured star. A high ankle sprain hobbled Decker down the stretch last season, keeping him out of the Wisconsin game. Decker was hurt against Northwestern last season and didn't play again. It remains to be seen how another injury-plagued season will affect his NFL draft status next spring.

Da'Jon McKnight will move up to No. 1 at Decker's spot, with Stoudermire and Brandon Green atop the depth chart at the other two receiving positions. Hayo Carpenter and Bryant Allen are also in the mix.

"I think he's the best wide receiver in college football, period," Brewster said of Decker. "You know, it's tough to replace a guy like that. ... But, again, I really think it's exciting for your football team to have to be the next man up. You know, replace his production. I think it's really exciting for young football players to know that they're going to get the opportunity to go do some things. And, collectively, everybody is going to have to step up."

That would include offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, who has to plan for a very important game without his most potent weapon.

"We don't have Eric Decker, so you have to put together the best plan you can without [him]," Fisch said. "We miss him. But, unfortunately, that's the case. We'll put together a great plan, go out and execute it and have a good night."

As always happens -- as must happen -- the team is moving ahead. But nobody seems to want to forget what Decker has done for the team -- and perhaps will one more time, if the Gophers can extend their season with a bowl invitation. And that made for a somber day.

Practice was already in session Tuesday when Decker -- on crutches, with his foot in a boot -- came onto the field to watch. As a senior, a productive player and a co-captain, there are a lot of roles for others to fill.

"He adds everything you could ever want in a player," defensive tackle Eric Small said. "He's a leader. He works harder than anyone else on this team. He loves the game, the school, the team."

So now there is more motivation to finish the season strong. A good flourish would mean a bowl game, which would mean Decker and center Jeff Tow-Arnett (broken leg) could play in a Gophers uniform one more time.

"It would mean the world to us to give them a chance," linebacker Lee Campbell said.

• Senior Cedric McKinley has moved up to starter at one defensive end position.