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Slew of injured players still concern for Tide Friday, August 20, 2004 STEVE IRVINE News staff writer TUSCALOOSA - The starting strong safety has yet to practice in full pads because of a tender hamstring. Two defensive linemen finished Thursday's practice wearing ice bags strapped to their shoulders, and two more limped off before returning. The offensive line depth is challenged by a trio of sore knees and three linebackers watched the workouts on Thursday morning. Thirteen Alabama players, all clad in burnt orange jerseys, ran the steps at Bryant-Denny Stadium this past Monday while their teammates scrimmaged for the first time in fall camp. At times, it's been a frustrating camp for a team which can ill-afford a slew of injuries. "Yeah, we're still concerned," Alabama coach Mike Shula said following Thursday morning's practice. "But we've still got work to do. We've got to continue with our plan. There are some guys who are injured now that have a chance to come back here shortly." The good news about the bad news is that most of the injuries are of the nagging variety. Strong safety Charlie Peprah's hamstring shouldn't cause him to miss any games. Both of the ice bag-wearing defensive linemen - starter Todd Bates and freshman Justin Britt - said they should be healthy soon and Bates actually returned for the shorts and helmet work on Thursday afternoon. None of the knee injuries suffered by reserve tackles Mark Sanders, Chris Capps and Cody Davis appear to be serious. And none of the three absent linebackers - Terrence Jones, DeMarcus Waldrop and Juke King - are seriously injured. King returned in the afternoon practice. Several players who've missed time in fall camp, including cornerback Eric Gray, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, running back Aaron Johns, tight end David Cavan and middle linebacker Freddie Roach, are participating in practice. Some of them are showing no signs of the previous injury. Of all the injuries - and there have been plenty - only freshman offensive linemen B.J. Stabler and Antoine Caldwell are definitely out for a considerable amount of time. Stabler had surgery on a finger and Caldwell had surgery on a toe. Shula said the injuries impact the team's practice schedule. He decreased the number of plays in last Monday's scrimmage and might do the same on Saturday. However, Shula still has to push his team to get ready for the Sept.4 opener against Utah State. "We are going to get some work done it just won't be as much because we are down in numbers," Shula said. "We could do it but we don't want to hang out some of starters." Peprah's injury is particularly frustrating considering he is learning a new position. Peprah, a cornerback the past two seasons, needs as many fall camp reps as possible but not at the cost of his health. "It's a little bit disturbing but we're not going to rush him to get out here," Shula said. "Hopefully, he's staying on top of things for when he gets back. He's going to definitely need to catch up." His absence does create some opportunities for other players. Carlos Andrews moves up to the first unit and freshman Marcus Carter gets increased reps. "That was bad, Charlie going down, but it worked out for me," Carter said. "I get more reps and get used to everything. I think I've got a chance to play early if I get used to all the defenses." Conversely, the injuries at offensive line have hampered the Tide from pinpointing capable depth. None of the starters have missed time during camp but six key reserves have missed at least one practice. On Thursday afternoon, Sanders, Capps, Davis and Travis West were dressed in burnt orange, although Capps was getting some work in with the second team offensive line. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup! To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net AOL.com addresses are NOT allowed on this list. Get a real ISP.
