Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse is winding down its fall practice schedule before game prep cranks up for the Sept. 4 season opener against Rhode Island.
Of note Tuesday was two defensive starters missing from practice.
Cause for concern?
Not quite.
Sophomore linebacker Parris Bennett was held out for precautionary reasons. He's dealing with a lower-body strain but should be fine for the opener.
And sophomore safety Antwan "Giant" Cordy left Syracuse for a couple days for personal reasons. He, too, will be back for the opener.
"Coaches were mad at me for taking [Bennett] off the field today," Shafer said, "but I just felt like I wanted to see him get freshened up a little bit and give a couple of those other young linebackers such as Ted (Taylor) an opportunity to get a few more reps.