August 21, 2001
The Texas A&M football team practiced for two hours in full pads Tuesday morning on the grass practice fields near Kyle Field.
Among those missing the day's lone contact workout were placekicker Chris Sims (back), tight end Fred Spiller (back), offensive lineman Andre Brooks (hip flexor), and wide receiver Bethel Johnson (groin).
"Chris Sims has talked with our doctors about his aggravated back and has returned to Dallas to see his orthopedic," A&M head coach R.C. Slocum said. "His doctor is the (Dallas) Cowboys team doctor and he's in California for training camp. So we're having to do a lot of this over the phone."
Punter Cody Scates is the backup for Sims, while wide receiver Greg Porter is the backup for Scates at both positions.
Returning to the workout were defensive lineman Ty Warren (groin), Michael de la Torre (slight dehydration) and offensive lineman Michael Mahan (stomach virus).
The afternoon session for the Aggies focused on strength training and a walk through.
The Aggies will hold a practice Wednesday morning before conducting a closed scrimmage in the evening.
A&M opens the season on September 1 against McNeese State at 6 p.m. at Kyle Field.