Hillman practices, still gametime decision
San Diego State didn't practice in pads, didn't hit anybody and only went for about two hours, but it learned star running back Ronnie Hillman still has a chance to play in Saturday's game against Boise State.
The sophomore back practiced, and although it was only for a total of 15 plays, that still leaves the door open for him to play this weekend. Although at this point, it sounds like a longshot, considering head coach Rocky Long said he was far from 100 percent on Thursday.
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"Did he look like he's full speed? No," Long said. "I can't put a percentage on it but if we were playing today he wouldn't play."
Long said Hillman will be a gametime decision. He'll watch the running back warm up on Saturday and determine if he'll play or not by how Hillman cuts and runs.
At this point, it's sounding doubtful.
"If we were playing for the Super Bowl or the conference championship game, I would tell you he was playing," Long said. "But we have three more games left and we hope a fourth. So you approach it differently than if this was the game that was going to make the difference in something."
Adam Muema would start in Hillman's place if he can't go. Long said SDSU has also decided it will burn Chase Price's redshirt rather than Dwayne Garrett's and have him backup Muema. That decision came down to Garrett's injuries.
"Garrett is not 100 percent either," Long said. "He could play, maybe. But there's always a chance you play him, ruin his redshirt year and he'd be done after one play."
Kickoff for the Boise State game is 5 p.m.
Short Shots
Sam Meredith (foot) practiced again on Thursday and will play Saturday. … Safeties Khalid Stevens (concussion) and Dey Juan Hemmings (shoulder) will be available for Saturday, but likely won't play, Long said. … Nik Embernate (concussion) will start at guard against Boise State.