The injury report is expected to look the same Saturday as it did for the first two games -- linebackers Aaron Hill and Brendan Beal and offensive lineman Josh Campion still sidelined -- but defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said Hill and Beal are improving.
Hill "is probably a week out," Claeys said of the sophomore linebacker, who suffered a hamstring injury in mid-August. "We are getting him in drills and moving him around. For sure, I think he'll be ready next week."
And Beal, who re-injured his left knee in fall camp's final week, is doing a specially designed workout to test the knee's fitness to return. Athletic trainer Ed Lochrie told Claeys "that it went well. Hopefully, if he continues to progress, well get him on the field and do position drills."
Hill made 14 tackles last season and was expected to receive an expanded role as a reserve this year. Beal, who transferred from Florida after two injury-riddled seasons, has not played since his senior season of high school in 2007. Campion has not played since suffering a concussion during a scrimmage last month.