Florida State football practice report: Dalvin Cook returns to practice

After a pair of closed practices on Sunday and Monday, the Florida State football team welcomed media members in for a portion of practice on a smoldering Tuesday that approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As announced by Florida State on Monday night, Dalvin Cook has been reinstated and practiced with the Seminoles for the first time since the spring game in April, going as a full participant in his first practice back with the team.

Offense

In addition to Cook's return, freshman receiver Auden Tate returned to practice in full pads today after missing multiple practices with a staph infection in his thumb. George Campbell practiced again, albeit back in a non-contact jersey. The coaching staff showed little of their cards with regard to the QB battle as all quarterbacks on the roster alternated reps, mainly with handoffs/pitches and routine curl routes. However, logic would dictate that the battle remains between Everett Golson and Sean Maguire. Jimbo Fisher noted after practice that Mario Pender shared reps with the newly instated Cook throughout today's practice. It was difficult to tell exactly which players were working with the 1s on the offensive line because they spent the entire portion of practice that we saw doing 1 on 1 and 2 on 2 drills.

Defense

Once again, linebacker Reggie Northrup and defensive back Calvin Brewton were full participants in practice. Sh'mar Kilby-Lane was also a full participant in practice for the second straight practice.

Special Teams

Jalen Ramsey and Kermit Whitfield were once again the first team kick returners and on the one return that they were a part of, Ramsey fielded and returned the kick, showing that he is likely not with Whitfield solely as a convoy due to his athleticism.

Injured/Absent

Ja'Vonn "Pigg" Harrison was not participating for the third straight practice that we have seen. Freshman offensive lineman Cole Minshew, who had seen some reps with the first team at center before suffering a foot injury, remained out, sporting a boot on his foot but without the crutches that he had on Saturday. Tarvarus McFadden missed another practice as well but Fisher said after practice that they are hoping to have him back next week. Freshman cornerback Marcus Lewis was on the sideline using crutches and dressed in street clothes while he recovers from a severe bone bruise. Abdul Bello, freshman offensive lineman, was once again out of practice wearing a brace on his right knee but did run some short sprints on the sideline by himself. Deondre Francois was working out, making some throws with a member of the staff with wraps on both of his knees. Nyqwan Murray was also out of practice as he recovers from a broken knuckle. Chris Casher and Lorenzo Featherston were both in attendance but neither was dressed as they are on the mend from knee injuries.

Next Practice

Florida State will next practice tomorrow and it is open to the media.

#FSU RB Dalvin Cook going out for a pass pic.twitter.com/2xSdvvc8cP

— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) August 25, 2015