FIU football players recuperating
Posted on Wed, Aug. 06, 2008
FIU PAIR RECUPERATING
FIU was missing two key starters as the Golden Panthers went to work Tuesday morning in their second fall practice.
Defensive end Cody Pellicer, who had a solid freshman season in 2007, wore a leg brace and leaned on crutches as he watched the early morning workout. Pellicer has not fully recovered from a strained left quadriceps, which he sustained during summer workouts.
Pellicer was expected to have more tests on his leg late Tuesday afternoon, and he might miss the first week of camp.
''There is no damage to the knee,'' coach Mario Cristobal said. ``But we have to see how the quad is attached to the tendon. We expect him to be OK. We expect him to be back in a week.''
The news is not as encouraging for punter Chris Cook.
The junior is still out with a back injury that he sustained in the middle of last season.
''We're probably going to find out six to 10 days before Kansas [the Aug. 30 season opener],'' Cristobal said. ``If he can play it would be a great thing for us; if he can't then we have to develop the guys we do have.''
Cook set an FIU record with a 71-yard punt against Troy in October. The left-footed kicker also had a 68-yarder against the Trojans, and he booted a 66-yard punt against Maryland this past September. Those are the three longest punts in FIU history.
Senior punter Carlos Munera, a transfer from West Hills College (Calif.), has shown a strong leg in camp and is vying for the job with kicker Dustin Rivest.
-- PETE PELEGRIN
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