With both starting outside linebackers and another top reserve at the position recovering from injuries, the Navy football team is taking full advantage of its upcoming bye week to heal and to rest before playing Air Force on Oct. 1.

The Midshipmen were without Jarred Shannon (right shoulder) and Mason Graham (right knee), the two senior starters at outside linebacker, in their 24-21 loss at No. 10 South Carolina on Saturday. Sophomore outside linebacker Keegan Wetzel (concussion) also was unavailable.

Juniors Brye French and Tra’ves Bush instead started at outside linebacker. Navy has had five players start at that position through three games.

“It couldn’t come at a better time,” Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo said of the bye week. “I was actually kind of surprised. We played our biggest, most physical team, and this was the least amount of injuries we’ve had as opposed to the first two games.”

Shannon, Graham and Wetzel are listed as probable for Navy’s first game in its quest to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Navy had won it a service academy record seven consecutive times from 2003 to ’09 before losing to Air Force last year, 14-6. The Cadets then beat Army to win the trophy for the first time since 2002.

. The Midshipmen (2-1) practiced on Monday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with players wearing helmets, t-shirts and shorts. The team is off on Tuesday and Wedneday and scheduled to resume practice on Thursday.

“It’s actually nice to have it, but we’ve had it before,” Niumatalolo said of having two weeks to prepare for Air Force. “It’s good for us this year. It’s coming at a great time. We need the rest.”