FSU practice report: Pender, Mavety out

Florida State returned to the practice field today for the third practice of their bye week that has been open to the media on an overcast afternoon. After the Florida State football team was about as healthy as they had been all season on Tuesday, there were multiple setbacks on Thursday as Chad Mavety, and Mario Pender were all missing from practice.

Offense

A day after the news broke that Mario Pender had suffered a collapsed lung, Dalvin Cook shunned the no-contact jersey that he had been wearing in practice all week. Jacques Patrick worked as the #2 RB in Pender's absence. The first-team offensive line, from left to right, is Roderick Johnson, Kareem Are, Ryan Hoefeld, Wilson Bell, and Derrick Kelly. Cole Minshew participated fully in practice for the second straight day, working with the 2s at right guard.

Nyqwan Murray was catching passes with two hands, like he was on Tuesday, but is still sporting the glove on his left hand as well as tape to protect his still-ailing broken knuckle.

Defense

The defense continues to remain fairly healthy with Lorenzo Featherston, Chris Casher, and Marcus Lewis all practicing in full for the second straight day. Nate Andrews still has the club on his hand but Fisher and Andrews himself have said multiple times that the injury will not cause him to miss time. Defensive back Keelin Smith seems to have completely returned to practice as he was a full participant for the third straight practice.

Special Teams

Jalen Ramsey and Kermit Whitfield remain the starting kick returners while Bobo Wilson and Travis Rudolph work with the 2s as the return men.

Injured/Absent

Mario Pender was missing from Thursday's practice after news of his collapsed lung broke last night. Offensive lineman Chad Mavety suffered a setback as he was not participating in practice after returning to full participation earlier this week. Frosh offensive lineman Abdul Bello (knee) and tight end Jalen Wilkerson were missing from practice as well.

Next practice

Florida State is off this weekend, enjoying their only bye week until the end of the regular season. They will report back Monday for their next practice as they begin their prep week for Wake Forest.