UMBC opened the season without Scott Hopmann, and the status of the junior midfielder is unclear.

The Annapolis native and St. Mary’s graduate, who scored 11 goals and posted 13 points last season, has missed most of the preseason because of a hamstring injury. Hamstrings are notoriously finicky, which is why coach Don Zimmerman said the team is being cautious with Hopmann’s return.

“We’re hoping,” Zimmerman said when asked if Hopmann might be available for Sunday’s contest against Rutgers. “On Wednesday, we’ll get the word from the doctors on whether or not he’s going to play. So we’re hoping that he gets the clearance and that he can start to work his way back into the rotation.”