News updates from today's practice ...
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who's dealing with injuries to his hand, leg and ankle, estimated he's playing at about 75 percent.
"On a good day," he joked. "We got a couple more weeks until the football season's over. From there I'll be getting treatment and getting healthy."
He appeared to reaggravate his hand Tuesday while diving for a catch during a 7-on-7 drill but he returned. I asked him if he needs to scale back a bit in practice.
"Yeah, that's what the coaches say," he said. "I try to. But it's very hard, especially in 1-on-1s where there's something I could be working on and getting better. I think it's just something i have to do. But yes, stop diving, stop doing stuff that I don't need to be doing, save my body for the game."
Viane Talamaivao, who did not play vs. Oregon after tearing his meniscus in the Colorado game, practiced with the first team. He wouldn't commit to being able to play but it looks promising.
"I used that week to rehab and get as prepared as possible to play this week," he said. "The time off helped me to heal up and I feel good. I'm taking it day by day. I feel like I'll be good to go."
I believe his return would be a big deal, and Helton seemed to concur when asked about it.
Marvell Tell practiced for the first time since breaking his collarbone in the Utah game. He took a significant number of reps and Helton said it appears he'll be available for UCLA.
"That was like a Christmas present," Helton said of his return.
Receiver Christian Tober also practiced. He has not played since the Arizona State game on Sept. 30 because of a broken collarbone.
Helton said Tre Madden can "maybe go" vs. UCLA after sitting out the past two games. Helton reiterated he's hoping to have Madden available for short-yardage situations and as a receiver out of the backfield.
"We're going to play it out though the week," Helton said. "If we can steal 12-15 reps from him, that would be extremely valuable to us."
Isaac Whitney (collarbone) participated in non-contact drills early in practice.
Nico Falah took some reps with the first team at center.
Alex Wood, who did not play vs. Oregon because of a concussion, practiced.
Osa Masina (hamstring) and Leon McQuay (knee) were limited.
Uchenna Nwosu seemed to get a significant amount of reps at outside linebacker.
Quinton Powell and John Houston Jr. did not practice.
Adoree' Jackson practiced exclusively on defense.
Several seniors practiced in their high school jerseys.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who's dealing with injuries to his hand, leg and ankle, estimated he's playing at about 75 percent.
"On a good day," he joked. "We got a couple more weeks until the football season's over. From there I'll be getting treatment and getting healthy."
He appeared to reaggravate his hand Tuesday while diving for a catch during a 7-on-7 drill but he returned. I asked him if he needs to scale back a bit in practice.
"Yeah, that's what the coaches say," he said. "I try to. But it's very hard, especially in 1-on-1s where there's something I could be working on and getting better. I think it's just something i have to do. But yes, stop diving, stop doing stuff that I don't need to be doing, save my body for the game."
Viane Talamaivao, who did not play vs. Oregon after tearing his meniscus in the Colorado game, practiced with the first team. He wouldn't commit to being able to play but it looks promising.
"I used that week to rehab and get as prepared as possible to play this week," he said. "The time off helped me to heal up and I feel good. I'm taking it day by day. I feel like I'll be good to go."
I believe his return would be a big deal, and Helton seemed to concur when asked about it.
Marvell Tell practiced for the first time since breaking his collarbone in the Utah game. He took a significant number of reps and Helton said it appears he'll be available for UCLA.
"That was like a Christmas present," Helton said of his return.
Receiver Christian Tober also practiced. He has not played since the Arizona State game on Sept. 30 because of a broken collarbone.
Helton said Tre Madden can "maybe go" vs. UCLA after sitting out the past two games. Helton reiterated he's hoping to have Madden available for short-yardage situations and as a receiver out of the backfield.
"We're going to play it out though the week," Helton said. "If we can steal 12-15 reps from him, that would be extremely valuable to us."
Isaac Whitney (collarbone) participated in non-contact drills early in practice.
Nico Falah took some reps with the first team at center.
Alex Wood, who did not play vs. Oregon because of a concussion, practiced.
Osa Masina (hamstring) and Leon McQuay (knee) were limited.
Uchenna Nwosu seemed to get a significant amount of reps at outside linebacker.
Quinton Powell and John Houston Jr. did not practice.
Adoree' Jackson practiced exclusively on defense.
Several seniors practiced in their high school jerseys.
