North Dakota State will complete its second week of football practice today. There’s another way to figure that out: count the number of players out of uniform.

It was 12 on Thursday with almost all of them minor injuries of some type.

“It’s the second week, I think that’s about up to par,” said head coach Craig Bohl. “We’ve been through two weeks of camp and you’re going to be nicked up.”

Only senior Shamen Washington is considered questionable for the Aug. 28 opener against Austin Peay University (Tenn.). And Washington, who is coming back from a meniscus tear in his knee, looks like he could play tomorrow if pressed.

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Bohl said the biggest question mark earlier in the week was starting defensive end Joe Lardinois, who suffered a concussion last week. Lardinois said he was cleared by NDSU team physician Bruce Piatt on Wednesday to start easing his way back on the field.

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His said he may be able to begin contact drills on Monday or Tuesday. Lardinois said he hasn’t had any headaches for a few days.

“He’s coming back from it pretty well,” Bohl said.

It was apparent the concussion was a major one in the minutes after impact, which came during a normal offense vs. defense sequence.

“The last thing I remember before it happened was getting into my stance and getting off the ball,” Lardinois said. “After that, I remember getting off the back of the cart and under the tent and that’s about it. It was kind of scary because I’ve never had that.”

Backup running back Pat Paschall was also out on Thursday with a concussion, but a milder one that shouldn’t keep him out long, Bohl said.

Other key players who were out but should return soon were linebacker Mike Maresh, receiver Jordan Schultenover, defensive tackle Michael Fairbairn and receiver Gary Williams.

Asked if there was a fine line between a player being injured and one who probably could play through it, Bohl said, “There are certain guys you have to keep pressing that line and keep pushing through it but we feel like we have pretty good toughness.”

By Jeff Kolpack
Fargo Forum

http://www.in-forum.com/Sports/articles/211509