August 18, 1997
The Texas A&M football team practiced for two hours in shorts in shoulder pads Monday on Simpson Drill Field on the A&M campus.
The Aggies received bad news prior to the afternoon workout when team orthopedic Dr. J. P. Bramhall diagnosed junior running back Eric Bernard with a season ending injury. Bernard, from Union High School in Tulsa, Okla. has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The injury occurred during non-contact drills on the grass practice field late Saturday evening. Bernard underwent further evaluation Monday morning which included a positive MRI. He is slated for surgical repair in approximately two weeks.
Bernard has previously not used his redshirt season. This will serve as his redshirt campaign and in 1998 Bernard will be listed as a junior.
Bernard rushed for 598 yards on 116 carries last season as a sophomore. He was one of four running backs to gain more than 500 yards rushing last season for the Aggies.
Returning to limited action was quarterback/punter Shane Lechler. The sophomore from East Bernard, Texas is suffering a pulled quadriceps muscle. He is listed as day-to-day.
A reminder to fans that all practices are closed to the public.