Thursday practice report

The Crimson Tide returned to the practice field on Thursday, the second day of classes at the University, to continue its preparations for the 2012 season opener on September 1 against Michigan. The Tide practiced in sunny, 90-degree conditions.

Freshman wide receiver Amari Cooper remained in a black, no-contact jersey during the media observation period. Cooper was seen working on a stationary exercise bike. Freshman linebacker Ryan Anderson, who injured his wrist during the first few weeks of camp, was wearing a cast on his wrist.

The Tide ran through a few recognition drills towards the end of the media observation period, and the second unit looked the same as it did on Wednesday, minus one player. Cornerback Bradley Sylve was not at practice during the media observation period. Sylve worked on Wednesday as a shadow on the edge as a cornerback. During head coach Nick Saban’s post-practice press conference, it was revealed that Sylve sustained a fractured hand, but he should be back at practice soon and availble for the season opener.

There was a bit of movement along the defensive line. During Wednesday’s practice, the Tide used Quinton Dial, Jesse Williams and Damion Square together as the first group to run through drills. On Thursday, it was Square and Ed Stinson as the two ends that went through drills together. The second unit consisted of DJ Pettway and Quinton Dial.

Injured junior running back Eddie Lacy appeared to be closer to full health than he did earlier in the week. Lacy went through all of the drills with the running backs as the leader of the group, and he did not appear to be slower or lighter on his feet because of his knee and ankle injuries.

Senior nose guard Jesse Williams spent some one-on-one time with freshman Darren Lake encouraging him and teaching him different techniques to use at the position. Lake, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound physical specimen from York, Ala., could eventually be a contributor at the nose guard spot.

The Crimson Tide will return to the practice field on Friday to continue its preparations for the 2012 season.