Temple quarterback Anthony Russo returns to practice, but Rod Carey won’t say if he’ll start against Bucknell

Temple coach Rod Carey said that quarterback Anthony Russo returned to practice Monday, although he cautioned that it was a light practice.

It was Russo’s first time taking part in full activities since suffering a calf injury Aug. 12. Carey said that it was still too early to tell if Russo will be available for the opener at 3 p.m. Saturday against Bucknell at Lincoln Financial Field.

“How he responds off that [practice] and goes into [Tuesday] and if he responds well we will get a really good gauge,” Carey said Monday during an American Athletic Conference teleconference.

Russo is the returning starter and Carey said he had earned the job again through spring ball and the early part of training camp.

That said, Carey added that until the redshirt junior shows that he is 100 percent, the team is going with redshirt sophomore Todd Centeio.

“Our plan now is Todd, and if Russo can go, you don’t lose your job due to injury,” Carey said.

Carey also indicated that Penn State graduate transfer Ayron Monroe is in the lead to earn one of the starting safety spots, where four players are battling for two positions.

“Monroe has probably taken the edge, end of last week, beginning of this week and today,” Carey said. “I expect all four to play.”

Senior Benny Walls, who started nine games last year, is expected to be the other starter. In addition, sophomore DaeSean Winston and redshirt junior Keyvone Bruton should see time in one of the more competitive position battles on the team.