MANHATTAN — Kansas State football held its first open practice to the media on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and it was highlighted by the notable absences of two assumed offensive line starters.
Left tackle John Pastore and left guard Tanner Morley were not seen during the first portion of practice, which saw the Wildcats move from an outdoor practice field to the indoor as weather moved into the Manhattan area.
Kansas State's offensive line has undergone an overhaul this offseason under new coach Collin Klein. Pastore is the team's lone returning starter and is a preseason All-Big 12 player. Morley was the highlight of the Wildcats' transfer portal haul along the offensive line. The other three offensive line spots appear to be up for grabs.
It's unclear whether or how long either player will be held out, or the extent of whatever they are dealing with. Kansas State isn't scheduled to make Klein available to the media until Monday, Aug. 31, while the team's coordinators are scheduled to speak Thursday, Aug. 20.
If Kansas State is without either player, the Wildcats could look to freshman Oliver Miller at left tackle, who has drawn high praise since arriving on campus. The left guard position would be more of a question, as several players have been battling for the right guard spot. Pastore and Morley have been the most sure-fire players to play along the offensive line throughout the offseason.
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football practice highlighted by missing OL starters