The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: SARA GUEVARA Members of the wide receiving corps work on blocking drills at practice Monday. [Click to enlarge]

Quarterback Matthew Stafford had his left hand taped during Thursday's practice to protect a thumb ligament.

Stafford also was wearing a brace on his left hand following practice.

Head coach Mark Richt described it as a "sprain," but both insisted that it has had no effect on Stafford's play.

"They want me to wear this for three days, but it's really not bad," Stafford said. "By the end of the week I won't be wearing anything. They just don't want me to jam it during the day."

Tight end returns to practice after injury

Tight end Bruce Figgins returned to practice after rolling an ankle in the last practice before spring break. Because of the week off, Figgins only missed part of one practice.

"It was huge to have him back as much as anything because of the reps other guys are having to take," tight ends coach John Lilly said.

"That was his decision, and it tells you a lot about his desire to get in there and not milk an injury."

Potential running backs prepare for kick returns

Friday will be the second of three consecutive practices. The team will focus on kicking and kick returning for the first time this spring.

Asher Allen, Ramarcus Brown, Caleb King, Richard Samuel, Dontavius Jackson and Kalvin Daniels were the names of potential deep men given by running backs coach Tony Ball, who will be overseeing kick returns.

"I don't see us doing anything live [tomorrow], but I see us doing a lot of fundamental work this spring finding some new guys doing what we need them to do," Ball said.

Offensive line struggles to overcome injuries

The area with the most glaring health concerns for the Bulldogs is the offensive line, as four players have missed time in the spring.

Richt listed Chris Little, Tanner Strickland, Clint Boling and Kevin Perez as linemen that have been kept out of all or part of spring practice.

"I think offensive line-wise, we're probably farthest from having the depth or the confidence in our depth," Richt said.

- Kevin Copp

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