FORT COLLINS — Colorado State linebacker James Skelton took all of the first-team defensive reps Wednesday as coach Steve Fairchild continues to gather information regarding the citation the junior received at an off-campus pool party last weekend.
As such, no decision has been made yet about his status for Saturday’s season opener at New Mexico.
“When we get all of the information in, then it’ll be appropriate at that point in time to make a decision,” Fairchild said Wednesday.
Asked if he thought a decision and subsequent announcement would come by Saturday’s game, Fairchild said: “I’ll expect it when I get all of the information. We’ll hold him accountable. I just want to make sure we have everything there is to know about it. When I know it, we’ll make a decision.”
Injuries.
Offensive lineman Brandon Haynes (knee), who has missed practice time because of injury, is expected to be ready to play Saturday.
“Looks like he’s going to be available,” Fairchild said.
In addition, defensive lineman Zach Tiedgen and defensive end C.J. James (head) were in pads, but in red, limited-contact jerseys. Tiedgen showed up in a red jersey this week, signifying injury, after being ticketed for disorderly conduct at the same off-campus party Skelton attended.
“They need to clear a couple of things, but I’m anticipating they’ll be ready to go,” Fairchild said. Asked if they would be included on the travel squad, Fairchild said, “Yes.”
Wrinkles.
One of the bigger items on the team’s to-do list this week was straighten out its substitution patterns so everyone was on the same page once game time rolled around. Fairchild identified it as something to work on after witnessing disjointed substitutions in CSU’s scrimmage last weekend.
Fairchild smiled when asked if it had improved this week.
“I think we’re better,” he said. “We’ve been subbing all week. We have been. Even in our team periods. It’s slowed practice down, but it’s been worth it.”
Travel plans.
CSU has tweaked its travel itinerary for this season.
Fairchild downplayed the alterations, some of which were suggested by players. The main change is in the travel time. The Rams will leave a few hours later for road games than they did last year, which allows them to do a walkthrough at home as well as to get players to some classes they normally would have missed.
“We all talked about it and coaches talked about it and thought this might be the best way to do it,” Fairchild said. “It’s not anything big, but there are some subtle changes.”
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
