Danny Watkins Sits Out Practice; Kelly Gets the Reps


Danny Watkins missed practice with an ankle injury Thursday. The second-year guard was on the injury report Wednesday as well, but was listed as a full participant.

Rookie Dennis Kelly got the reps at right guard in Watkins’ absence. The 6-8 rookie played tackle exclusively at Purdue. His only experience at guard has come during training camp and at practice.

“It’s different. It’s got it’s pros and cons just like tackle does,” said Kelly.

“I had known that [Watkins] had rolled up or something but I didn’t know it was going to be that bad. I came in this morning and they told me he wasn’t practicing, so just be ready to take the reps. Just kind of went from there.”

Friday’s practice will go a long way in determining whether Watkins will be a go for Sunday.

Nate Allen (hamstring), Colt Anderson (knee), Kurt Coleman (shoulder), Jon Dorenbos (ankle), Phillip Hunt (calf) and Cedric Thornton (hand) were all full participants Thursday.