Georgia Tech's Dwyer returns to practice

By Doug Roberson

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer was back in practice Tuesday after not participating in the second part of Monday’s doubleheader because of a “tweaked” hip flexor.

Coach Paul Johnson said yesterday that the injury wasn’t serious. Dwyer, last year’s player of the year in the ACC, left Monday’s first practice for a few minutes before returning to the field.

He did only conditioning drills, including one where he swung a sledgehammer against a tire, in Monday’s second practice.

In other injury news, linebacker Anthony Barnes wore a boot on his right foot Tuesday. Johnson also said that injury wasn’t serious.

Jaybo Shaw didn’t attend practice for the second consecutive day. Johnson said Shaw was in the rehab room with a concussion. Shaw also sustained a concussion last season in the Duke game.

Also sitting out were offensive linemen Brad Sellers (concussion) and Austin Barrick (knee), quarterback Jordan Luallen (ankle), defensive back Dominique Reese (hamstring) and wide receiver Daniel McKayhan (undisclosed).

Roddy Jones update

A-back Roddy Jones, who injured his right wrist during a freak weightlifting accident this summer, said the wrist feels good and he’s still on schedule to return in two weeks.

“It’s just a healing process,” said Jones, who rushed for 723 yards and four touchdowns last season. “Got a couple more weeks, but I’m ready to get back out there.”

Jones has been wearing a cast and participating in the non-contact drills during practice.

Jones handled most of the kick-return duties last season, averaging 23.6 yards per return. He said the guys who have been competing in his absence are looking good.

“I think we’re going to be a lot better,” Jones said. “Guys are looking good and working hard to get on their blocks, too.”

He said when he returns he wants to compete at kick-returner.

Etc.

Johnson said he was happier with the effort in Tuesday’s practice, after saying that some of the players looked as if they were punching the clock during Monday’s first practice. ... Tyler Melton, Anthony Allen, Demaryius Thomas and Stephen Hill had good catches in the seven-on-seven drills. ... Two freshmen defensive backs had good days: Jemea Thomas had an interception, and Rod Sweeting broke up a pass. ... Wide receiver Paul Reese made a nice block during the 11-on-11 drills, driving his defender out of bounds. ... Geoff Greco dropped a pass on a long throw by Tevin Washington.