Aztecs notebook: Injured SDSU wide receiver Jordan Napier getting additional tests

San Diego State wide receiver/kick returner Jordan Napier underwent more tests Monday for an injury he suffered in the first half of SDSU’s win over Boise State.

“We got some (X-rays) over the weekend,” SDSU coach Sean Lewis said Monday. “We’re confirming things this morning. I haven’t heard anything more from our medical team. We’ll know more by the end of today. … He’s a versatile playmaker, great teammate, ultimate competitor. We hope that we get good news.”

Napier was injured with four minutes remaining in the second quarter against Boise State when he was hit in the legs by a Broncos defender while reaching up for a pass from quarterback Jayden Denegal on a bubble screen.

Napier was helped off the field with a lower leg injury. He appeared to be favoring his left knee as he was helped to the treatment tent and did not return to the game.

Napier, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Fontana, leads the Aztecs with 47 receptions for 629 yards and two touchdowns. He is also their top kickoff and punt returner, highlighted by a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown at Nevada.

Even in a best-case scenario, it would not be surprising for Napier to be sidelined at least through the end of the regular season. If the knee is structurally sound, reducing swelling and strengthening exercises could require more than the two weeks remaining.

SDSU plays San Jose State on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, then travels to New Mexico for a game the day after Thanksgiving. The Aztecs also could be one of the participants in the Dec. 5 Mountain West championship game; they have already qualified for a bowl game.

If Napier is out, then SDSU will be without two of its starting wide receivers. Junior transfer Jacob Bostick suffered a season-ending knee injury last month that required surgery.

Junior transfer Donovan Brown (23 catches, 321 yards, TD) is the only starting wide receiver who is still healthy.

Junior Mikey Welsh, a former walk-on wide receiver who earned a scholarship this season, replaced Napier against the Broncos, both on offense and on kick returns.

Welsh had a career-high three receptions against Boise State for 22 yards, giving him 10 catches for 116 yards on the season.

Junior transfer Nathan Acevedo stepped into Bostick’s spot. He has 10 receptions for 117 yards this year. Sophomore Will Cianfrini (Carlsbad High School) also has received playing time.

“I have great confidence in all of our skill (players), whether it’s the wide receiver group, the growth and development of the tight ends, the running backs that continue to develop,” said Lewis, adding, “We’ll uncover every single stone that there is and put the best people out there to stress San Jose State’s defense in the best possible way.

“It might not just be receiver for receiver. It’s going to be a way to manage the game, find a way to win. We’ll do that and be just fine.”

San Jose State staff changes

In the aftermath of last week’s 55-10 loss to Nevada, San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo announced two staff changes.

Associate head coach/defensive coordinator Derrick Odum and special teams coordinator Joe Palcic have been immediately relieved of their duties.

Inside linebackers coach Bojay Filimeatu has been named interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Filimeatu was SDSU’s defensive line coach in 2023.

Niumatalolo guided the Spartans to a 7-6 reocrd and Hawaii Bowl appearance in his first season as coach. They are a disappointing 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the Mountain West this season.

‘Throwback’ promotion

Among the promotions planned for Saturday night’s game is a “Throwback to the Classics,” with special concessions prices on hot dogs ($2.75), nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($2), 12-ounce sodas ($4) and 12-ounce beers ($10).

The Aztecs also are offering two complimentary tickets for the game to season ticket holders to give to family or friends. Ticket prices for the San Jose State game start at $27.15 on Ticketmaster.com.

Notable

• SDSU running back Lucky Sutton regained the Mountain West rushing lead after collecting 150 yards against Boise State. Sutton has rushed for 1,048 yards. Air Force’s Liam Szarka is second with 922 yards. Sutton is only the fifth player in the last 10 years to rush for at least 150 yards against the Broncos.

• SDSU linebacker Owen Chambliss ranks third in the Mountain West with 93 total tackles, behind Colorado State’s Owen Long (122) and New Mexico’s Jaxton Eck.

• Kicker Gabe Plascencia (17-for-19) remains second in the conference in field goals behind Hawaii’s Kansei Matsuzawa (22-for-22).