Mizzou cornerback E.J. Gaines says he'll be ready for the season opener.

Mizzou cornerback E.J. Gaines says he’ll be ready for the season opener.

The Missouri Tigers were back on the practice after what turned out to be a 77 hour-lay off from hitting each other in pads. The Tigers last practiced on Saturday morning and returned Tuesday afternoon with higher temperatures and a little more humidity. Gary Pinkel said the players needed a little heat. One player just happy to be out there doing things was E.J. Gaines.

Last week, he went to jump to break up a pass and wide receiver L’Damion Washington was standing on his foot. That led to a strained tendon for Gaines. It could have been much worse, but after one week, Gaines was back on the field doing some light work in some 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.

Pinkel said he does not expect Gaines to play in Thursday’s final scrimmage, but when I asked Gaines, he said he would be ready come Aug. 31 against Murray State.

Gaines talks with members of the media following Tuesday’s practice.



Missourinet