NEWSWIRE: Say it ain't so, Joe

ONE OF OSU'S best players and offensive weapons, Joe Halahuni, is going under the knife on Wednesday. And it sounds like the return timetable is not good news for Beaver fans.

Joe Halahuni may well be out an extended period of time, according to a report in The Oregonian.

Halahuni's shoulder, which he's said he injured during the season and which he then aggravated during spring ball, will need to be surgically repaired.

The article suggests that Halahuni could be out until at least mid-September, though it also makes note that there has been no official comment from the school or medical staff yet on a return timetable.

Halahuni missing fall camp, let alone a few games, would be a blow to OSU.

With Mike Riley having said the return by the season opener of the primary Beav receiving threat, James Rodgers (knee), is unknown, Halahuni's potential absence would be felt even more.

Halahuni is a threat on every passing play to turn in a big play, and taking away that threat means opponents can apply more focus elsewhere -- to emerging star receiver Markus Wheaton, to the run game, to the pass rush, take your pick.

With Colby Prince (ankle) also missing the tail end of spring, Connor Hamlett and Tyler Perry were the only two tight ends remaining by the time the sprnig game rolled around last Saturday, and that was changed to a situational scrimmage due to the legion of injured Beavs.

There is a sliver of good news, however.

Hamlett had a very good overall spring session, and he had an outstanding day in the spring finale -- he caught 11 passes for 153 yards and was the leading OSU receiver on the day.

If Halahuni is out for any extended period of time, be that fall camp and/or games, it will certainly help if Hamlett shows he's ready, and then some, for prime time.