It’s another hit for the Tiger offense this afternoon as news broke that left tackle Elvis Fisher would require surgery on his knee.

The left tackle protects the quarterback’s blindside, and Fisher performed that task better than most. Those in the media and in the Big 12 expected Fisher to put his name in the running for major recognition and perhaps even the NFL draft if he could continue his streak of 40 consecutive games started once the season began.

Not so anymore. The surgery on Fisher’s torn patella tendon will sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming 2011 season. Running back Marcus Murphy lost a season to an injury redshirt on the first day of camp.

Who will step in to keep QB James Franklin’s backside off the turf? Redshirt freshman Anthony Gotti sits beneath Fisher at left guard on the depth chart, the only other player listed at that position. Every other tackle on the depth chart is a freshman or redshirt freshman: Chris Freeman, a 6-foot-8, 325 pound redshirt, Michael Boddie, a 6-foot-6, 285 pound pure freshman, and 6-foot-4, 295 pound redshirt Stephen Carberry all back up starting senior right tackle Dan Hoch.

We’ll see who runs the first team tomorrow. If head coach Gary Pinkel wants as much experience on the line as possible, he and offensive coordinator Dave Yost may decide to go with one of the guards on the roster, who have significantly more experience at the second and third spots on the depth chart. Josh Henson and Bruce Walker each coach the offensive line–keep an eye out for word from the coach, coordinator, or either one of those gentlemen tomorrow.

Practice begins bright and early, 7:15 AM. Stay up to date by following us on twitter, @KBIASportsExtra. As soon as we know, you’ll know.