Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Northwestern has issued its official injury report for Saturday's home game against Indiana (Big Ten Network, noon ET).
OUT
OT Mike Boyle, back
RB Alex Daniel, ankle (out for season)
S Brendan Smith, hand
LB Bryce McNaul, leg
QUESTIONABLE
S Brad Phillips, shoulder
PROBABLE
RB Jacob Schmidt, ankle
RB Stephen Simmons, ankle
The Wildcats could be without both of their starting safeties against Indiana, which boasts a good wide receiving corps. Smith underwent surgery last week on his hand but is expected back at some point this season. Phillips would be a big loss because he makes a ton of plays (three forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery). Brian Peters, considered a third starter at safety, will step into one of the spots. Redshirt freshmen Jared Carpenter and Hunter Bates, the son of former Dallas Cowboys star Bill Bates, would be the next men in line at safety. Given the ongoing struggles in the run game, it's important that Northwestern gets either Schmidt or Simmons, if not both, on the field Saturday. The good news here is no Corey Wootton on the report, though the defensive end has clearly been limited by an ankle injury the last few weeks.