FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Syracuse held kicker Ross Krautman out of its scrimmage at Fort Drum on Thursday with what Scott Shafer called a slightly strained groin.

 

Kicker is one of the few positions that the head coach has tipped his hand about, essentially declaring Krautman the starter. Thursday was just a precaution, as Ryan Norton filled in.

 

“(Krautman) feels great,” Shafer said. “He wanted to go, probably could have went, but I held him back on purpose to give Norton a bunch of opportunities.”

 

In his place, Norton struggled with the wind and tall grass for a 1-for-4 day, although Shafer was pleased with his performance.

 

Krautman participated in the early portion of practice and was dressed in full pads, but he did not take part in any of the scrimmage. Krautman is entering his fourth season as the Orange’s starting kicker. His 18 field goals as a freshman tied an SU record, but he went just 15-for-23 last season.

 

There wasn’t much change on the rest of the Syracuse injury front. Linebacker Josh Kirkland wasn’t in pads for the fourth straight day and spent part of the practice riding a stationary bike. Guard Rob Trudo was again limited after missing practice on Monday, as was Beckett Wales, who missed Wednesday’s practice. The tight end had ice wrapped on both his calves on Thursday, and had his right leg wrapped the day before.

Published on August 15, 2013 at 9:27 pm

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