Coach Mark Dantonio announced Tuesday at his weekly press conference that senior punter Jake Hartbarger will be out for six to eight weeks with a bone bruise in his leg.
During the fourth quarter of the football team's loss against Arizona State Saturday, a player collided with Hartbarger after he released a punt, injuring the senior's leg.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who made his appearance as the punter in Saturday’s game, will take over his position until further notice, as well as redshirt freshman kicker Tyler Hunt.
Dantonio said he is not worried about Lombardi taking over the punting duties.
“Rocky is a great athlete and he's punted before,” Dantonio said. “Rocky has the ability … I feel comfortable with a quarterback back there who understands pressure.”
As for senior running back LJ Scott and left guard David Beedle -- who both exited Saturday's game -- their injuries are not long-term.
The Spartans will return from their bye week next Saturday against Indiana University.
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