The Massachusetts football team’s first appearance at Gillette Stadium in 2013 may potentially come without two of its most explosive offensive weapons.

UMass coach Charley Molnar ruled running back Jordan Broadnax out for Saturday’s matchup against Maine, and said star tight end Rob Blanchflower would be a game-time decision, according to Daniel Malone of MassLive.com.

Neither player has practiced in over three weeks.

On Monday, Molnar mentioned he would “proceed with caution” regarding injured players due to the length and importance of the entire season.

If Blanchflower cannot play, one of the players the Minutemen will rely on is Derek Beck. He caught six passes for 37 yards in the season opener against Wisconsin and has earned the trust of his coach.

“He stepped up. He played better than he did for us last year,” Molnar told MassLive.com. “He had the one drop, which was disappointing only because he rarely drops the ball.”

Stacey Bedell assumed first-team responsibilities following Broadnax’s injury and has shown positive glimpses early on. Bedell ran for 70 yards against Wisconsin on 19 carries, his first steady workload in two seasons.

“I think he proved his mettle, that he could handle his workload through the course of the game,” Molnar said. “Because when they tackle you in Wisconsin, they’re a pretty darn physical football team. He certainly got up each and every time and answered the bell. So, I feel a lot better about his durability.

UMass will also be without starting wide receiver Shakur Nesmith, who injured his arm against Wisconsin and was ruled out.

Mark Chiarelli can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @Mark_Chiarelli