The ISU football team may be without sophomore Jason Scales when it opens the season against nonconference opponent Illinois State on Sept. 3.

The running back had arthroscopic knee surgery several weeks ago, and the Cyclones are waiting to see what his availability will be.

“He’s not practicing yet,” said coach Dan McCarney.

“He’s impatient, I’m impatient, Tony Alford is; we know his talents.

“We have 10 days until kickoff and obviously he has to get back by next week to practice. Whether he will or not, I can’t tell you. If he doesn’t practice next week he’s not going to play.”

Scales rushed for 92 yards on 37 carries as a true freshman. He also scored a touchdown on the ground against Baylor.

He is second on the depth chart at running back behind junior Stevie Hicks and is slated to share kick return duties with senior backup quarterback Terrance Highsmith.

McCarney said Scales’ rehab is progressing well.

“His attitude is OK. He’s doing everything we ask and then some,” McCarney said. “He’s been a great rehab patient but he’s not practicing yet.

“[The doctors] want to make sure there is a complete recovery — and so do I — so we don’t have to go through this again two weeks from now or three weeks from now or a month from now. If you have to miss a game, even if you have to miss two games, let’s be ready for a long season.”

Scales declined to comment on his situation.