Could Marion Make His Way Back?
The Story: The Huskies took their hits during the first half of the season, but as it rounds the halfway point and the level of competition eases significantly, they could benefit from having at least one impact player back from injury.
MARION PRACTICING: Sophomore wide receiver Keelan Marion, who broke a collarbone in the Huskies’ season-opening loss at Utah State, returned to practice yesterday morning.
• Marion was wearing a red jersey in practice, meaning nobody’s allowed to touch him as he recovers from the injury. He’s not yet cleared to take part in team drills but could go through individual workouts as he ramps up his activity level.
• The Huskies’ leading receiver last season, the Huskies face a dilemma with Marion. Do they let him return for what could be three meaningless games down the stretch, or do they let him continue to sit out, heal and take a redshirt year with an eye on next season?
WHAT DID JIM MORA SAY? “It was sure good to see him out there. He only participated in individual work and he’ll be non-contact, but I don’t know that it’s not going to be sooner than I thought. I was really encouraged. It was good to see him out there. But we have to make sure that bone is 100 percent healed and calloused. We’re not going to put him out there until he’s absolutely ready to go.”
JONES RECOVERING: Sophomore cornerback Durante Jones, who left the win against Fresno State on Saturday with a concussion, is being examined by the team’s medical staff and could play in the game at FIU three days from now.
• Mora also said the coaching staff is going to try to balance the workloads of sophomore running back Devontae Houston, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, and junior linebacker Jackson Mitchell, who had thumb surgery in the spring and has been beaten up and worn down by playing every defensive snap.
• The Huskies also got contributions from freshman tight end Justin Joly, who had three catches for 37 yards against Fresno State and is slowly earning a larger role on offense.
Morning Reads
• Much is going to be expected of Azzi Fudd this season, so can she show what she’s capable of doing as she settles in for her sophomore season? (Hartford Courant)
• The men’s soccer team (2-5-1) will attempt to end a two-game slide tonight when it hosts Providence at Morrone Stadium. (UConnHuskies.com)
Top photo: Safety Durante Jones reacts during the game against Syracuse. (Ian Bethune for The UConn Daily)
