Johnson, Richards sit out practice

CORAL GABLES — As the Miami Hurricanes continue preparing for their Saturday showdown against South Florida rival FIU, two of their veterans who are dealing with injuries didn’t practice Tuesday.

Safety Jaquan Johnson, who strained his right hamstring in Miami’s 49-24 win over Toledo on Saturday, was not seen on the field during the 15-minute media viewing portion of practice. Neither was receiver Ahmmon Richards, who hurt his knee in the Hurricanes’ 33-17 season-opening loss to LSU on Sept. 2.

Hurricanes coach Mark Richt later confirmed neither practiced at all, and their absences weren’t surprising considering what the coach said about both players in the days following the win over Toledo.

Richt said the Hurricanes plan to be cautious with Johnson, Miami’s lone preseason All-American, because of the nature of hamstring injuries and how long they can linger. And Richards has been listed as “day-to-day” since he sustained the injury.

Despite leaving the game against Toledo late in the first half, Johnson still finished the day as the Hurricanes’ leading tackler with seven stops. He leads the Hurricanes defense with 22 tackles through the first three games and has blocked a kick.

On the positive side, several players who came in and out of Saturday’s game while dealing with minor injuries did practice.

Defensive tackle Gerald Willis, who dealt with cramps against the Rockets, was on the field Tuesday, as was Romeo Finley.

Safety Amari Carter, who did not travel with the Hurricanes to Toledo because of a death in the family, also practiced.

Homer, Dallas splitting carries

DeeJay Dallas arrived at Miami last year listed as an “athlete,” his speed and skill set making him a versatile player that could line up at both receiver and running back.

When former Hurricanes running back Mark Walton was lost for the season last October because of an ankle injury, Dallas shifted to running back full time and has thrived at the position ever since.

The sophomore had a career-high 110 rushing yards against Toledo and after three games, he and starter Travis Homer have similar numbers, both in terms of carries and rushing yards.

Dallas’ total stands at 30 carries for 196 yards, while Homer has rushed 36 times for 162 yards in Miami’s first three games.

Both Richt and Hurricanes offensive coordinator/running backs coach Thomas Brown say they’re inclined to continue trying to keep the reps and carries balanced, though it all could depend on how each back matches up against a particular opponent.

“It all depends on the game. Obviously, DeeJay has continued to perform well, and Travis is a really good player as well,” Brown said.

Willis earns second honor

Hurricanes defensive tackle Gerald Willis has earned the right to be a captain for a second time on the young season, Richt announced Tuesday.

The coach noted there was some internal staff discussion about letting another defensive player represent the group this week against FIU, but ultimately, the coaching staff decided Willis — who had five tackles, a sack and a team-high three tackles for loss against Toledo — deserved the honor a second time.

Also serving as captains this week for Miami will be Dallas, Mike Pinckney and Amari Carter.

LYNNE SLADKY/AP As UM prepares for FIU, Jaquan Johnson (4) and Ahmmon Richards did not practice on Tuesday.