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The Birmingham News

College beat

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

AUBURN

Bennett, Cope could return in 2½ weeks

AUBURN - Joe Cope, Auburn's injured starting center, and surgically-repaired tight end Cole Bennett could return to action in 2½ weeks for the Arkansas State game, though coach Tommy Tuberville said that prognosis might be a little optimistic.

Cope has missed the last two games with a sprained knee. Bennett had a pin inserted into an ankle he injured against LSU on Sept. 16.

Tuberville said Cope had a brace removed from his leg and is rehabilitating his knee.

"He's going to have to practice. He won't be able to just show up for a game," Tuberville said. "He's working hard and getting better every day. He's really staying into it - going to meetings, on the sidelines last Saturday where he was a very vocal leader."

Tuberville said Cope's replacement, Jason Bosley, has done a good job, "but it's hard to lose a fifth-year senior who has done such a good job for us the last few years."

Tuberville said there is a chance Bennett may choose to take a medical redshirt and return next season for another shot at his senior year.

"We're going to leave that up to him and his family as we get closer to the end of the year," Tuberville said.