Hoese away from team to be with father

Fullback Jon Hoese missed practice on Monday to be with his father Terry, who suffered a stroke on Friday and has been placed in a coma to control bleeding in his brain. It's too early to tell whether Hoese, an offensive captain, will travel with the Gophers on Wednesday to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where they open the 2010 season against Middle Tennessee State.
"It's important for him to be with his family right now," coach Tim Brewster said. "If it's right for him to be at the game, he'll be at the game. If it's not, he'll be with his family."
The Gophers would rely on backup fullback Ed Cotton and tight ends Eric Lair and Collin McGarry to move to the backfield and help with Hoese's blocking chores if the senior fullback is unable to be with the team, Brewster said.
"We'll be in good shape," Brewster said. "But we ask that the thoughts and prayers of our fans are with the Hoese family, and to help Jon through a hard time."