Purdue makes progress 'in the throes of camp,' but injury has struck
Injuries are going to happen in football. And first-year Purdue coach Ryan Walters already is dealing with a key one, announcing today after the sixth practice of training camp Florida Atlantic wideout transfer Jahmal Edrine will miss the season with a knee injury.
“Jamal Edrine tore his ACL last week,” said Walters. “Sucks. I mean, you’re talking about a guy that we had high hopes for and was showing a lot of promise and being productive for us.”
The 6-3, 215-pound Edrine was hurt last Thursday in practice. He figured to be a key member of a promising wideout unit. Now, players like Deion Burks, T.J. Sheffield and Mershawn Rice, among others, must step up in the Air Raid-based offense of coordinator Graham Harrell.
“(Edrine has) got the right mind-set, though,” said Walters. “He’s a young guy, so he has a great career here. And, luckily for us, we’re deep in that room. So, guys are chomping at the bit to produce it for us and will play good football for us.”
Purdue also saw projected No. 1 center Josh Kaltenberger get carted off the field on Tuesday. The type and extent of injury are not known. Kaltenerger was with the first-team in place of Gus Hartwig, who is being eased back as he returns from a knee injury. Purdue may have to turn to Austin Johnson or Jalen Grant to snap.
Purdue had officials on hand on this warm Tuesday, as it conducted some scrimmage work.
“We did (scrimmage),” said Walters. “We still got in some indie, some inside, some special teams. But then we lined it up and played a little bit. It was good to see. Obviously, tackling on the first day is always a work in progress. But I felt like once we eased into it, guys started tackling better and it was good back and forth.”
Any standouts today?
“(OLB) Will Heldt has been doing a great job,” said Walters. “He had another great, great day today. (RB) Tyrone Tracy’s ran the ball well today. Some of the younger guys, too, are stepping up.
“We’re really pleased with how the corner room has showed up. It’s a bunch of new faces and those guys are in tune with what we’re trying to get done and are competing out there. So, it’s been good, I’m pleased with where we are at.”
Purdue has been practicing without two key players: Hartwig and TE Garrett Miller, who both suffered season-ending knee injuries last year. Each is being eased back in.
(“Miller is) really good,” said Walters. “He’s close. He’s getting extra work. He’s just like Gus, he’s right on schedule. Now, he’s probably a little bit ahead of schedule in terms of his progression, obviously. Gus had his injury at a later date. So, he’s further along in the rehab process, but both those guys are on schedule.”
Purdue is back on the practice field Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday before being off on Sunday.
“We’ve gotten a lot of good work just in terms of situational ball,” said Walters. “Worked some two minute, third downs, some different areas of the field and have a lot of the install in offensively, defensively and special teams.
“Happy with where we’re at from a mental standpoint. We’re just in the throes of camp, so you got guys that are tired and sore. To their credit, they’re battling and doing everything they can to be available.”
MORE: Purdue Football 2023 Training Camp Content Hub | Deep Dive, camp practice No. 6 | Photo gallery from practice No. 6
