Bilal Powell returns to practice

by Mike Rutherford on Nov 11, 2010 6:00 AM EST in Football

Bilal Powell, the Big East's leading rusher, returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a knee injury against Pittsburgh on Oct. 30. Louisville head coach Charlie Strong said Powell's status for Saturday's home game against South Florida is still uncertain.

Starting center Mario Benavides was also back in action on Wednesday. Benavides left late in the fourth quarter of last Saturday's win at Syracuse with a leg injury. The smart money is on him suiting up against the Bulls.

Conversely, all signs are pointing to Adam Froman taking in the action from the sidelines for a second straight week, as the senior quarterback is still on crutches and not practicing. If he were practicing on crutches, well, it would be impressive, but I still think it'd be best for him to sit this one out.

Despite the fact that Justin Burke led the Cardinals to perhaps their biggest victory of the season five days ago, offensive coordinator Mike Sanford has been hesitant to anoint the senior as QB1 on Saturday if Froman can't go. Still, it'd be shocking to see anyone other than Burke receive the majority of snaps.

And finally, major congrats to Bilal Powell on getting engaged this week.

If you need me I'll be in my room...NOT writing in my journal about how the good ones always get scooped up early...sigh.

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This is decent news. It could be better.

And I must say, although I think Burke did great for rarely playing, I miss Froman. I never thought I’d say that. That first half watching Burke made me miserable. Every single pass would be to the flats on the right side of the field. I was almost frustrated enough to turn off the TV. He did pick up the pace, but overall, I don’t think his accuracy is there. He constantly overthrows the targets and doesn’t have great field vision. Always throws to the #1 wide-out.

I understand that neither Froman nor Burke are great. I just think we have a better shot with Frodo. His field vision is improving greatly and he protects the ball (except against Oregon St. at the goal-line, of course).

by UofL Redbirds on Nov 11, 2010 6:41 AM EST reply actions

This is awesome news. Bilal back on the field is awesome. I had the feeling that he wasn’t hurt as bad as some suggested, he got back on the bike as soon as he could at Pitt. As for the QB situation, I think it is a 6 in one and half dozen in the other. It will be nice to see the Bilal and Vic tandem go to work on USF. Week-to-week, gotta keep winning games and bowl people will be on the sidelines at PJCS.

I heart Charlie.

by jrscheper on Nov 11, 2010 8:02 AM EST reply actions

Froman is off crutches

I heard last night from a close family friend that Froman is off crutches – they didn’t say anything other than that…but being off crutches is a great start.

by card1116 on Nov 11, 2010 9:19 AM EST reply actions

In his story, Brown says he was on them

At practice yesterday.

by Mike Rutherford on Nov 11, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

Best news

is that Benavides will probably be back.

by SullyCard on Nov 11, 2010 9:45 AM EST reply actions

Agreed. This is huge.

by Remote Cardinal on Nov 11, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

The best news

would be B-Pow’s return. I love Benavides, but I don’t think it compares to Powell back on the field (if we have to choose). But yeah, a full strength OL is paramount against USF’s DL. I think they’re probably the best in the league and one of the best in the nation at those positions. This game will absolutely be won/loss in the trenches. I really hope B-Pow can play close to 100% and I really am curious to see if the Burke-Powell combo works. I have a hunch it will be very effective.

by CardsFanTX on Nov 11, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions