The 6th. day of practice for the 2011 football season at Oregon St. was another step ahead for WR James Rodgers as he works his way back from two major surgeries on his left knee.
Saturday's morning practice was the first in which Rodgers worked against coverage, as CB Brandon Hardin matched up against him.
"We didn't have Brandon press-cover him, so it wasn't bump and run all the way,'' Oregon State coach Mike Riley said afterwards.
Rodgers did run a variety of routes, involving cuts and even a diving catch, showing enough to impress Hardin.
"His form looked good,'' Hardin felt. "That's the one thing I've noticed. I was expecting more of a limp because he did have major surgery. And I don't imagine that his knee brace is very comfortable.''
Rodgers still didn't run full speed at all times, and will only be an on-looker at this evening's 6:30 PM workout.
"We let him go some more, and we'll see where he is at Monday, after a day off," Riley added.
There was finally news on freshman CB Larry Scott, after a couple of days delay in getting an MRI done. Scott will have knee surgery, and miss the season, using his redshirt, but Riley indicated he anticipates Scott being healthy for next spring's practice.
Defensive ends Blake Harrah and Mana Rosa sat out the morning workout as well, with knee and hip issues, respectively, that Riley described as non being long term issues. Both are expected to return to action soon.
The "gang of 7" that are the Beavers' running backs continues to all do a variety of things, with no one eliminating themselves from the picture.
Riley noted "We are going to have to make some tough decisions soon," referring to who and how Oregon St. will proceed with on one of their biggest questions in fall camp, the strategy for replacing Jacquizz Rodgers.
Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com