Northwestern spring practice injury updates

It was another injury-filled spring for Northwestern football. Based on what we've heard from team spokesmen, coaches and players themselves, here's what we know about the Wildcats' health:

- Back in February, Pat Fitzgerald declared the following players out for the spring: Matt Frazier, Tyler Lancaster, Greg Kuhar, Drew Smith, Parrker Westphal, Anthony Pierce, Troy Sheppard.

- Christian Jones is out until fall camp after having another surgery on his knee in March.

- Justin Jackson missed the second half of spring practice after suffering a meniscus injury and going under the knife, but he says he is fine, and would be available to play soon, perhaps today, if necessary.

- According to Fitzgerald, the following players came into the spring carrying injuries: Blake Hance, Traveon Henry, Geoff Mogus, Sean McEvilly, Kenton Playko. Hance, Henry and Mogus all returned to practice during the second phase of spring camp. Playko returned in a limited capacity towards the end of practice. McEvilly did not at all.

- Mike McHugh had foot surgery, and actually has walking boots on both feet. He missed the latter part of spring practice, but is expected to fine by fall camp.

- Miles Shuler and Stephen Buckley both missed the final few practices of the spring, but their injuries are not serious.

- Cam Dickerson missed last Saturday's practice, but is back on the field this Saturday.

- Anthony Walker and C.J. Robbins both sat out last Saturday's practice for undisclosed reasons, but are fine, and are practicing today. Walker has been limited though

- Brett Walsh missed some of the April practices with a minor hand/thumb injury, and then had surgery on a 'lower body' injury (he had a bandage around his left knee Saturday).

- Solomon Vault has been battling nagging muscle injuries, but has been participating in spring practice. Barring an aggravation, he should be back at 100 percent in the fall.

- Auston Anderson had hip surgery before training camp last summer. He is back, and has been a full participant in spring practice.

- Two players recently retired from football: Eric Joraskie and Tommy Fuessel.