The X-rays on Penn State rugby captain Matt Miller's knee came back negative on Monday, but the Ruggers' star eightman will likely be out for several weeks.

Doctors examined Miller after he sprained his knee in the Blue-White game on Saturday. Miller's knee was drained and he was fitted for a knee brace.

The exact time of his return to the playing field is uncertain.

"It's what he had before," Penn State coach Don Ferrell said, referring to Miller's previous knee problems. "It's not anything serious, but he will be out for several weeks."

Miller's knee will be immobilized for about two weeks. Once the swelling goes down, he will begin rehabilitation, which will consist of basic knee exercises, such as squats and leg extensions.

"We have trainers on staff to help him with his rehab, so we hope this will help him get back on the field faster," Ferrell said.

Miller's knee sprain may not be serious, but it will likely cause him to miss a few games.

His return for Penn State's next match against Kutztown on March 3 is doubtful, and it is likely that he will also miss the team's games over spring break when it travels to the United Kingdom.

"It's disappointing, because I have never been over there, and I've been looking forward to the level of play over there," Miller said. "I'm probably going to go anyway, just to be with the team."

Ferrell hopes that Miller will recover quickly, but he would rather wait for him to return at full strength than come back too early.

"He's a true competitor, and I'm hoping that he gets better soon, but we're not going to rush anything," Ferrell said.

Miller's absence also leaves a hole in the Ruggers' lineup. The team does not think, however, that the temporary loss of its captain will affect it in the long run.

"Our team has a lot of depth the whole way around," prop R. J. Krempasky said.

"If two guys would go down, we could have two guys go right in for them."

Ferrell is uncertain as to who will be filling in at the eightman position, but tried several players out during Saturday's scrimmage.

Younger players will likely fill the position in order to get them more playing time.

Ferrell mentioned Ryan Heeney and Joe Creslow, but reiterated that "he is unsure as of yet."

Getting Miller's blessing was fifth-year senior Albert Cleary.

"He's a good eightman," Miller said. "He was injured last year, but he's really coming back."