Backfield in motion during scrimmage

Coach Mike Bloomgren held running back Emmanuel

Esukpa out of Monday’s scrimmage, while Nahshon Ellerbe remained sidelined with an undisclosed injury — he’s tentatively considered questionable for the Aug. 25 opener.

“We would love to have him right away,” Bloomgren said of Ellerbe. “He’s running, he’s moving, he’s cutting, so I hope it’s sooner rather than later. … I hope to (have him back for the opener). I wouldn’t say ‘expect’ is the right word at this time.” In their place, brothers Austin and Aston Walter earned the bulk of first- and secondteam reps.

Austin, once a running back-turned-receiver, has returned to the backfield after leading the team in all-purpose yards (697) last season. Bloomgren still expects him to be involved in the passing game this season, but Walter displayed improved strength and balance Monday, readily shrugging off arm tackles and shaking off would-be tacklers.

All of the Owls running backs saw action, including

Collin Whitaker — a former defensive back who transitioned because of last year’s backfield injuries — and fresh- man Juma Otoviano, who showed nice strength through contact despite being the lightest runner (180 pounds) in the stable. Another freshman, Antonio Faaeteete, put his explosiveness on display when he burst through the defense for a late touchdown run.

The involvement of the fullback in Monday’s session was hard to miss.

In fact, UCLA transfer Giovanni Gentosi broke the plane for the scrimmage’s first score.

The scrimmage verified what many expected. Fullbacks and tight ends will be a regular part of the Owls’ offense in varying forms.