Running back LeGarrette Blount is back on the practice field nearly three weeks after being suspended for the season.
On Sept. 16 Blount practiced in Autzen Stadium as a part of the scout team. It was the first time since the Ducks’ game against Boise State that the senior running back had been seen in full pads. He was with the team Sept. 12 for Oregon’s game against the Purdue Boilermakers, but not in full pads.
Head coach Chip Kelly suspended Blount on Sept. 4 after he punched Bronco Byron Hout and then shouted at fans on the way to the locker room. The Ducks lost the game 19-8 and Blount finished with negative five rushing yards. Kelly chose to keep Blount as a member on the team and let him keep his scholarship in an effort to help Blount graduate from college.
But aside from practicing with the team, there is little likelihood that Blount will play again for Oregon, barring a waiver from the NCAA to gain one more year of eligibility. Blount could still transfer to another school this season.
Kelly said Sept. 7 at his weekly press conference that although the situation was tough, he’d like to thank the people who reached out to him and the team won’t leave Blount behind.
“We have a plan for LeGarrette,” Kelly said. “There’s no going back and I truly feel I made the right decision. Moving forward, our football team, our coaching staff, LeGarrette, everybody; it happened. You can’t change it and it’s how you move forward and put it into a positive situation.”
The Ducks will continue their season Saturday when they host California at 12:30 p.m.
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