McNeal expects early return

[PonyPride]

SMU head coach June Jones said he expects running back Shawnbrey McNeal back on the practice field Thursday after the junior running back sprained an AC joint in his shoulder during Saturday's 27-13 win at Tulsa. McNeal said after Monday's practice/conditioning run that he expects to be back earlier than that — at least by Wednesday, if not tomorrow.

McNeal said he injured his (right) shoulder on his touchdown reception from freshman quarterback Kyle Padron.

"I just landed on it wrong," he said, adding that the idea of coming out of the game didn't cross his mind. "I finished off the game. It didn't hurt that much at the time. We were ahead, and I wanted to help finish off the win."

McNeal said he didn't alter his running style, or try to shy away from contact to the shoulder after the injury, following his habit of running with both shoulders square to the line of scrimmage.

While his teammates went through their normal Monday conditioning running, McNeal spent the morning on the side, riding a stationary bike.

"I'll be out there, hopefully tomorrow," he said. "Whatever the coaches and trainers tell me to do to get ready for Rice, that's what I'm going to do."

[OR-See-Nee]

Tough kid. Get well soon, Shawnbrey.

[The PonyGrad]

Thanks for the report, even if GP of TCU gets such reports, I like hearing about what is going on.

[The PonyGrad]

It would be good to get some hand-off reps in though.

[PonySnob]

Is Chris Butler in JJ's doghouse? Has even gotten on the field during a game this year?

[ALEX LIFESON]

On special teams.