N.C. State running backs Curtis Underwood and James Washington did not practice in full pads Monday as they were wearing jerseys with a red cross on them signifying that they were injured.
Coach Tom O'Brien declined to comment on their status. His preseason policy is not to talk about injuries unless he knows they are going to cause players to miss the opening game.
"I don't have anything to say about any injuries one way or another," O'Brien said. "They're still good for the first game, and if they're not, I will tell you."
N.C. State opens at home against Western Carolina on Sept. 4.
Underwood and Washington are competing for the first-team running back job.
It's not clear if they will be available for Tuesday evening's scrimmage. End-of-game situations will be a key part of the scrimmage, the team's third of the preseason.
Comments
Bubble Boys Continue Walk Throughs
Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:46 — SurferCould it be that TOB is being a little over cautious? Okay, strike "over", but it seems like he is downright scared of injuries to significant players. Perhaps some will have limited playing time against WCU?
You bet
Tue, 08/17/2010 - 11:32 — JPDOhioI think that TOB is taking no chances when it comes to keeping players healthy this year.
It helps that the Pack opens with Western Carolina instead of South Carolina. Western Carolina is predicted at or near the bottom of the Southern Conference, so if the game does get out of hand, I expect him to substitute freely and get a lot of guys playing time.
Although you should never take any team for granted, it is the second game at UCF that will be the better test. I believe they are one of the favorites to win their division in C-USA.
Can anyone really find fault...
Tue, 08/17/2010 - 12:25 — YAR8packCan anyone really find fault with TOB's plan? I guarantee the entire secondary would go without practicing in a bubble if the sumbucks didn't need it more than any position on the team.
UCF is predicted to finish strong in C-USA this season. The East Division is certainly wide open this year. I got a feeling O'Leary's guys are ready for a breakout season. I just hope the Pack can get some pseudo-revenge for that turrrable loss in Carter-Finley three years ago.
Hmm...
Mon, 08/16/2010 - 19:37 — YAR8packNo need to get too frightened by this news. Hopefully this is just a precautionary measure much akin to what TOB and Co. are doing with Nate Irving. Or perhaps some of JPD's optimism is wearing off on me?