FSU football practice report: Several players return from injury

After canceling yesterday's practice in favor of a day off, the 'Noles suited up again this morning, in the first session of a Monday two-a-day. Believe it or not, this was the opening practice of what is already the final week of fall camp. This is the most intensity I've seen at an FSU practice this fall, one that was taken in by scouts from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans (all of whom were keeping a pretty good eye on the defensive backs). We picked up on a number of other developments in the first practice open to the media since the Seminoles' initial scrimmage on Friday.

Offense

Frosh quarterback Deondre Francois, after seeing limited participation the last time we observed, was more involved today, going without any kind of brace. Linemen Ethan Frith and David Robbins returned to practice in non-contact jerseys. Redshirt-freshman center Corey Martinez contiues to take first-team reps at the center spot, while the right side returned to what we've seen most of the fall, with Wilson Bell at right guard and Derrick Kelly at right tackle. The second team consisted of (left to right) Abdul Bello, Joshua Peters, Alec Eberle, Chad Mavety, and Brock Ruble. Johnathan Vickers got the first running back reps.

Defense

For the first time that we've seen, JUCO-transfer linebacker Lorenzo Phillips worked out in full pads today, while first-year LB Sh'Mar Kilby-Lane remained in a non-contact jersey. Reggie Northrup and frosh DB Marcus Lewis were good to go once again, and freshman CB Tarvarus McFadden returned from a hamstring injury. Fisher said he was limited in this morning's practice but should be ready to go at full tilt this evening.

Special Teams

Jalen Ramsey and Kermit Whitfield are still the deep men on kick return, with Travis Rudolph and Bobo Wilson working in as twos and Nyqwan Murray getting some run as well.

Injured/Absent

Running back Mario Pender, who was held out of Friday's scrimmage with a knee injury, remained on the sideline today, but Jimbo Fisher said after practice that he should only miss another day or two. Freshman wideout George Campbell, who's still recovering from a knock to the head, stayed out as well but did warm-up with the WRs; it looks like he's close to returning. True freshman offensive lineman Cole Minshew is also still not practicing, but he's out of his walking boot and down to a brace.

Calvin Brewton keeps missing time due to a hamstring tweak, and, of course, defensive ends Chris Casher and Lorenzo Featherston are out, as each are having a knee scoped. Casher's recovery should last a few weeks, Featherston's a little under a week and a half. The latter was seen after practice with a wrap on his knee, walking with the assistance of crutches but putting weight on it. DT Justin Shanks' leg injury saw him on the sideline once again, walking around in a brace.

Next Practice

The 'Noles will go again at 7:30 tonight in a session closed to the media. Tuesday's practice will also be closed, but we'll be back with coverage of FSU's Wednesday practice.