Flu bug nips Seminoles’ Thomas

TALLAHASSEE – There’s a flu bug going around the Florida State football team, and it has bitten its second linebacker in two weeks.

Redshirt senior LB Matthew Thomas missed Tuesday’s practice with an illness, Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said. Reserve RB Johnathan Vickers was also out for the same reason.

Fisher said the team aims to keep ill players away from teammates when out with sick.

Sophomore LB Dontavious Jackson returned to practice on Saturday after missing two days with an illness last week.

Junior DE Josh Sweat returned to practice Tuesday after missing Sunday’s session with a rest day. The Seminoles were also off on Monday.

Fisher said players like Sweat, Alec Eberle (hip surgery last season) and OL Landon Dickerson (ACL surgery last season) will receive days off during the preseason to preserve them for the season.

True freshman WR D.J. Matthews, a highly touted prospect from Jacksonville, was limited in his return to practice after suffering a hamstring injury last week.

Fisher said true freshman TE Alex Marshall had surgery for a broken finger on his left hand, and will miss 4 to 6 weeks.

Pro Football Hall of Fame RB Marcus Allen was a guest speaker for the Seminoles on Sunday. Brandon Marcello, a doctor and Olympic, collegiate and high performance strategist, was invited to speak to the team on Tuesday.

Next game: FSU vs. Alabama (in Atlanta), Sept. 2, p.m., ABC

Safid Deen