CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami guard Joe McGrath will be out at least five weeks with a stress fracture in his right leg, becoming the latest Hurricanes' player to be hit by an injury bug.

McGrath was hurt when his right foot was stepped on during Monday's practice. X-rays showed the injury, although coaches did not know exactly which part of the leg contained the fracture.

McGrath was set to make his first career start on Aug. 28 at Louisiana Tech.

"He had an excellent spring," offensive line coach Art Kehoe said Wednesday. "He went 20 days and put in all the work, and right before game week someone steps on his foot. It's bad."

Vernon Carey, who returned to practice from a mild ankle sprain, fills McGrath's spot at left guard. Carlos Joseph, who started all 13 games at left tackle last season, takes over Carey's spot at right tackle.

More than two dozen Hurricanes have been injured this fall. Miami will be without starters McGrath, Jason Geathers (hamstring) and Roger McIntosh (knee) for the season opener. Speedy receiver Roscoe Parrish (knee) also is out.

Several of the banged-up players returned to practice Wednesday, including linebackers Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams, defensive linemen John Square and Santonio Thomas, and placekicker Jon Peattie.