Vets Perry, Suter could miss opener

Maryland running back Bruce Perry and returner Steve Suter may be questionable for the Aug.28 opener against Northern Illinois after nine Terrapins were injured yesterday in practice.

Perry suffered a high ankle sprain, and Suter was carried from the field with a severely strained hamstring. Perry missed six games last year with groin and knee injuries, but his form in drills has resembled that of 2001, when he was ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Suter scored a team-record four touchdowns on kick returns last season before missing spring practices with knee surgery. He’s also expected to play as a receiver this season.

Coach Ralph Friedgen was uncertain when both would return and clearly disturbed over the rash of injuries that have claimed more than a dozen players recently. The No.13-ranked Terps have only two running backs and five receivers healthy.

Running backs Josh Allen and J.P. Humber, safety Curtis Williams, and cornerback Jamal Chance suffered strained hamstrings yesterday after a downpour hampered the opening 20 minutes of practice. Offensive tackle Matt Powell (ankle), center Akil Patterson (knee) and defensive tackle Conrad Bolston (strained muscle) also were sidelined.

Additionally, defensive tackle Robert Patterson was sick, and receiver Rich Parson and fullback Ricardo Dickerson were limited after recent concussions.

Despite the injuries, Friedgen won’t downscale practices and still plans a public scrimmage Sunday.

“I’m just going with personnel groups we have and moving on,” Friedgen said. “We have one slot [receiver] and four wide receivers. Hello, tight ends.”

With NCAA rules now allowing only 60 sideline passes, Friedgen said his injured players will watch from the stands.

“The way we’re going, we’ll probably fill out the rest of the 3,000 people for a sellout from my own team,” he said, jokingly.

Who’s No. 2?

Freshman quarterback Ryan Mitch may be promoted over freshmen Sam Hollenbach and Joel Statham and senior Orlando Evans in coming days. Though senior quarterback Scott McBrien is the firm starter, Friedgen is seeking a successor for next year who can get experience during the season.

“We still have to find a second-team quarterback. I don’t know if we have one,” Friedgen said. “I don’t know if we have to cut back for them. They’re just not progressing. I don’t know if we have anyone that can get us out of the huddle right now.”

Extra points

Safety Chris Kelley’s conversion from quarterback has him playing nickel and dime roles. Kelley shows good instincts but plays the run better than the pass.

Story Continues →