Hokies RB Ryan Williams back at practice, though status remains unclear

For the second straight week, Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer said he would have no new information on the status of injured running back Ryan Williams until the team releases its official injury report on Thursday. Williams suffered a right hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Hokies' 49-27 win over East Carolina on Sept. 18.

Williams has said once again that he will not talk to reporters while he rehabs the injury. However, during the open portion of Monday's practice, which was moved indoors because of some wet weather, Williams was present and in pads.

Perhaps the most telling part of the session came at the end, when Williams ran wind sprints with his teammates. The Manassas native did not run with the running backs, instead taking it easy by doing his set of sprints with the lineman group. Even while jogging, though, it appeared Williams was favoring his right leg slightly.

With Williams out against Boston College this past weekend, junior Darren Evans got the start at tailback and combined with sophomore David Wilson for just 97 rushing yards. The duo averaged only 3.2 yards per carry.

Williams rushed for a school-record 1,655 yards a year ago, including a 120-yard, four-touchdown performance against North Carolina State, the Hokies' opponent this Saturday. In three games this season, Williams has rushed for 139 yards and scored four touchdowns.