Nate Chandler gives the Bruins options

That will not change the status of Nate Chandler, a tight end who was moved to tackle this summer and moved back when injuries hit.

The Bruins needed a physical tight end after Logan Paulsen suffered a broken foot -- an injury that may keep him out the entire season. Chandler was the natural choice to give the line more blocking power, even if it derailed his transition to tackle.

"It was for the team," Chandler said. "They needed me there, so I went. I wasn't mad when they moved me to tackle and I'm not upset to be moved back. I get to play." Whether he stays at tight end beyond this season will be decided later.

If Paulsen cannot return, he will use this as his redshirt season and play in 2009. If that happens, Chandler may move back to the line.

"I like both," Chandler said. "I had an opportunity during the summer and now that gives me options."

If he moves back to tackle, Chandler will resume a program to add weight. He is currently at 268 pounds, about 30 below what he would need to be an effective tackle.

"I'll have the whole off-season to work on whatever I need to do," Chandler said.

Shifting backfield

The Bruins seemed to hardly take a detour after losing fullback Trevor Theriot, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.

Chane Moline has made a seamless transition into position, moving up from tailback.

"I thought Trevor was pretty good, but maybe we're better by a hair because Chane can also be a one-back," Coach Rick Neuheisel said. "We can take the tailback out of the backfield and create some one-back formations and still feel like we have a running game."

Moline also has skill as a receiver. He had three receptions for 31 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown catch, against Fresno State last Saturday.

"He great knowledge of our pass protection," Neuheisel said. "He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, witness the touchdown catch a week ago. He fits really well as a fullback."

chris.foster@latimes.com