Monday practice; update on Van Kirk

The FIU football team started a little before 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning for its first of three two-a-day practices. During the morning session, the guys worked on second and third downs. Towards the end of practice, the Panthers switched to working on the two-minute offense. I was allowed to watch the first 30 minutes before it was closed to the media.

Injury report

TE Dudley LaPorte was in a walking boot on Monday after injuring his foot during Saturday's scrimmage. According to Cristobal, LaPorte is "day to day."

OL Kevin Van Kirk will have surgery to repair damage to his sprained knee. No word yet on how long he will be out.

DL Jason Fitch is dealing with a lower-leg injury and will need further evaluation by doctors.

RB Trenard Turner was still in a walking boot after injuring his ankle last week. 

Night practice

Monday's night session, which is closed to the media and the public, will be a special teams scrimmage, according to Cristobal. The guys will take part in 8 live kicks offs and kick-off returns, 8 punts and punt returns and other aspects of the special teams game.

Response to comments

@The Point - You are a 100 percent correct sir. I got him confused with the Cleveland Indians' Matt LaPorta ( I admit I am a huge fantasy baseball nerd). Sorry Dudley, I'll make sure to change the a to an e.

Justin

Comments

[The Point]

Thanks for the update. I'm pretty sure it's Dudley LaPorte, no? You keep calling him Dudley LaPorta, whoever you are (Adam? Joel?).

[FIU Fanatic]

Thanks for the info, Justin. Also, just a pointer, as it's Dudley LaPorte, not LaPorta.

Looking forward to see continued improvement along both lines.

[FIU Fanatic]

Also, any info as to the clearance issues with Jordan White?

[panther viscosity]

Laporte has had bad luck he's gotten that foot injured a lot.

[Tri-Panther]

Wow, bad news on Van Kirk. Hopefully he will have a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

[FIU Fanatic]

I know...Just hoping Van Kirk can fully recover from his injury.

[Gooch7]

LaPorte is someone that came in from JUCO as the No 1 ranked TE in the Nation in several categories but has done NOTHING for FIU.. I know the size, the hands, and the ability to be the best TE in the Sunbelt is there but he needs to find a way to stay healthy.. His a HUGE part of the offense! He is also my pick for Player of the Year if he just stayed healthy..

Van is another big loss. We can't afford ANY injuries specially in the OL and DL.. Keep those boys healthy!

I hope there is a good showing at the FIU Scrimmage on Friday Night..

GO GOLDEN PANTHERS!

[Gooch7]

Justin:

Do you think the Herald will actually put some kind of story on the FIU Open Practice Friday Night? This would be one simple way to show that the Herald is "NOT BIAS" LMAO.. Try promoting something that is great for the community and FIU.. And yes you can even get to pick your own seats!! Im pretty sure you still have room on Page 12D..

Go FIU

[ridgepanther]

going to be tough to depend on dudley with the recurring foot injuries....