QB Thompson-Robinson absent for first practice in full pads
LOS ANGELES >> UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was “unavailable” for a second consecutive practice.
Coach Chip Kelly confirmed Thompson-Robinson’s absence from the Bruins’ first full pads practice but did not provide a reason during his semi-weekly press conference.
The term “unavailable” is the catch-all term used by Kelly for questions with answers that the Bruins would like to keep in house — such as an injury, an illness or academic eligiblilty among other situations. Thompson-Robinson is fully vaccinated.
Kelly says he believes his quarterback “will be ready” for the season opener against Hawaii on Aug. 28 and doesn’t believe Thompson-Robinson will suffer a major setback by missing time.
There’s no timetable for his return.
Quarterbacks Chase Griffin, Ethan Garbers and Chase Artopoeus shared an equal number of reps with the starting unit throughout practice in place of Thompson-Robinson.
“We aren’t concerned — because we aren’t in a game week — about the number of reps,” Kelly said. “The more they do on the field and just get the experience, the better off we will be.”
The number of opportunities will begin to dwindle as the team gets closer to game week and dialed in on scouting Hawaii.
Stadium in 2021.
The decision to go digital was made to allow for a safer and easier experience for fans and gameday workers while helping reduce fraud, according to a press release.
Season ticket holders will have access to their tickets and parking through the UCLA Bruins app but single-game tickets will be emailed to the buyer and available for download to Google Pay or Apple Wallet.
The announcement continues a series of changes to the football gameday experience this season. The university will also begin selling beer and wine during home games.
The student section will move back to sections 6-9 at the Rose Bowl, where it resided prior to the 2017 season. Students will sit on the same sideline as the visiting team and be provided a better view of the field and video board.
UCLA coach Chip Kelly says he believes quarterback Dorian ThompsonRobinson will be ready for the season opener vs. Hawaii on Aug. 28.