Quarterback Stehling to miss finale with knee injury

Rice’s injury report never stops growing.

But it’s the latest name that’s toughest to handle.

Fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler Stehling will miss the season finale at Stanford with a knee injury. Rice coach David Bailiff said it’s unclear if Stehling needs surgery.

Stehling suffered the injury on the opening drive of Saturday’s 44-24 win over UTEP and didn’t return. Redshirt freshman Jackson Tyner replaced him Saturday, and it’s expected Tyner will start at Stanford.

Stehling waited four years for his only season as starter in 2016. He finishes the year 194-of316 for 2,049 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

But the fact Stehling won’t get to finish his only season as the starter has players and coaches sympathizing with the Klein product.

“He started through eight different starting lineups on the offensive line,” Bailiff said. “All he did was show great courage in standing there, delivering the football.

When receivers would get hurt, he’d stay out there and throw with the receivers. He never complained. He just kept working.

He’s an amazing young man and this football team will miss his play.”

Senior receiver Zach Wright, Stehling’s roommate, hopes to wear Stehling’s No. 10 jersey at Stanford in honor of the quarterback.

Time to shine for young QBs

As tough as the news of QB Tyler Stehling’s injury is, the blessing in disguise is the opportunity for redshirt freshman quarterbacks Jackson Tyner and J.T. Granato.

Tyner figures to start the season finale at Stanford after going 18-of-26 for 196 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the 44-24 win over UTEP. Granato will get significant reps in practice, too, and could play.

“He’s just a kid,” Rice senior receiver Zach Wright said of Tyner. “Nothing bothers him and it’s his best aspect.”

Bailiff OK with job status

One talking point this season has been the job status of 10th-year coach David Bailiff.

He’s responsible for the most successful stretch of Rice football in 50-plus years with the 2008 Texas Bowl win, 2013 Conference USA title and three straight bowl berths prior to last season. But is it enough to carry him through Rice’s disappointing 3-8 season? Bailiff isn’t concerned. “If you worry about that, you’re not doing your job,” Bailiff said. “At no point has anybody offered me tenure. You treat every day as a coach like you’re on a one-day contract anyway. I’m just going to keep working. I’m going to keep taking great care of this football team.”