Mitchell sits out Tuesday practice; injury update

[PonyPride]

Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was an interested observer at Tuesday's practice in Ford Stadium. Head coach June Jones said after practice that Mitchell hurt his ribs in the Mustangs' season-opening win over Stephen F. Austin, and after playing with some soreness in Saturday's win at UAB, Mitchell was given the day off Tuesday. Jones said he expects Mitchell back on the practice field — probably Wednesday — and said Mitchell will play Saturday at Washington State.

Mitchell said after practice that his rib injury has been something of a roller coaster, in terms of the pain he has had to endure. He said that his ribs felt better during practice last week, but said they were sore again when he woke up Saturday in Birmingham. Despite the injury, which he said he felt while throwing and sometimes made it difficult to breathe, Mitchell threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns Saturday. He echoed Jones' prediction that he will be back on the practice field Wednesday and said he'll be ready to go Saturday in Pullman, Wash.

Of the other players who got banged up in Birmingham in what Jones called "the most physical game we've played" since his staff arrived at SMU last year, only two sat out Tuesday's practice. CB Derrius Bell is out of Saturday's game, Jones said, and then will get the extra week of rest as the team has a week off before playing TCU. OLB Youri Yenga was dressed for practice — shorts and his jersey — but didn't take part in drills. He observed the linebackers in position drills while stretching and resting. Jones said Yenga is questionable for Saturday's game, calling it a game-time decision.

WR Aldrick Robinson, DE Kevin Grenier, DE Taylor Thompson and SS Rock Dennis — each of whom was hobbled at UAB — all practiced Tuesday. Jones said he expects all four to play.

[ponyte]

We are getting beat up early. Man, I hope that week proir to TCU allows us to heal.

[SMU 86]

PonyPride, did Bo practice yesterday? I am surprised Coach Jones made that public information. The Wazzu defense may key in on that and hit him early.

[PonyPride]

Nobody did — team just ran yesterday.

[SMU 86]

Nobody did — team just ran yesterday.

Thanks PonyPride. You are the best dude.

[down n out]

thats pretty impressive numbers for having a rib injury. ive had one before and it hurts just to breathe, maybe thats why he wouldnt run the ball when he had open space...

[GeorgiaMustang]

As far as Youri Yenga is concerned, I say have him dress with the team on Saturday and only play him if we really need him as the game progresses. He is too important to our overall season to risk having him tweak the injury even further by playing him this weekend unnecessarily. Besides, from what the coaches have said, the backup guy is supposed to be pretty solid.

[Scoops]

Plus, with a bye week the following week ... if there's any way to beat Wazzu with Yenga on the sideline, do so, and give him another week to get ready for TCU