Northwestern football injury report: Matt Alviti, Warren Long, Eric Olson, others to miss spring practice

EVANSTON -- Five Northwestern football players, including junior-to-be quarterback Matt Alviti, will miss spring practice with injuries, head coach Pat Fitzgerald announced Tuesday following Northwestern's first official spring practice.

Alviti, who had hip surgery, is expected to be back to full health in June or July.

Fitzgerald hinted that once Alviti recovers from the hip procedure, he will be healthier than he ever has been in his career at Northwestern.

Alviti was a former four-star recruit, but lost an offseason quarterback battle to Clayton Thorson in 2015. He will be expected to back up Thorson in 2016.

Offensive tackle Eric Olson and running back Warren Long will also miss spring practice, as will Steven Reese — who is moving to wide receiver — and early enrollee Tommy Carnifax. Carnifax enrolled early so he could have shoulder surgery under Northwestern's medical supervision and care.