December 24, 2001
The Texas A&M football team held its second full squad practice for two hours in full pads Monday afternoon at the Rice Stadium grass practice field in preparation for the GalleryFurniture.com Bowl.
Missing the workout was starting offensive lineman Andre Brooks who was suffering from flu-like conditions. A&M coach R.C. Slocum said he expects Brooks to improve on Tuesday.
Slocum also said that starting defensive back Sean Weston is improving from his hyperextended knee and may have a chance to play if needed. He said Weston would not start.
Wide receiver Bethel Johnson is back on the practice field after having his spleen removed following the second game of the season.
"The doctors have cleared Bethel to practice," Slocum said. "He's been running around and feels good. He's energetic, but if he played in the game he would lose that [medical hardship] year. He lost some weight, but it looks like he's gained it back. He looks fast out there."
Several members of the team will accompany Slocum to Memorial Herman Hospital on Christmas morning to visit children. The Aggies will be bearing gifts for those children having to spend the holiday season in the hospital.
A&M will practice Tuesday inside the Reliant Astrodome in preparation for TCU on Friday at 12:30 p.m. in a game broadcasted nationally by ESPN.