Nate Bendall is back.

But, for how long is the question?

Sidelined with a pre-stress fracture, Bendall participated in light workouts last week, and practiced full tilt this week. He expects to play in tonight's annual Blue-White scrimmage and if all goes well he will play in Saturday night's exhibition.

However, there is cause for concern. It seems that Bendall will be resigned to playing in pain this season, and his minutes may be curtailed as a result. The good news is that Brady Jardine may as well be a sixth starter. But the Aggies sorely need Bendall's size in the paint at 6-9. His mid-range shooting is a valuable asset as well.

"Nate will play limited minutes for now, but we don't know if it's ever going to completely heal," USU head coach Stew Morrill said. "It's all about how he responds."

Tony Jones