Helms back at practice; Lee sits out again

• By CARL DUBOIS
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Aug 22, 2008 - Page: 2C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Brett Helms, the senior quarterback of LSU’s offensive line, returned to practice Thursday after missing two full weeks. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee, one of the top two actual quarterbacks, missed a third consecutive practice and his sixth of preseason camp.

LSU coach Les Miles said he thought Lee, who has been out since Monday because of back spasms, would be able to play in the season opener Aug. 30 vs. Appalachian State.

“He’s feeling much better,” Miles said. “We feel like he’ll be ready to play. We’re just showing some caution there, keeping him from working.”

Miles stopped short of naming Andrew Hatch the No. 1 quarterback, saying he won’t announce a starter or the quarterback hierarchy until the day of the first game.

“You’ll see how we play them when we show up in the stadium,” Miles said.

He said more treatment in the training room Thursday night would give Lee a legitimate chance to return to practice today.

“I don’t think it’s a 100-percent chance,” Miles said.

After a long pause, he settled on an estimate.

“Sixty-seven percent,” Miles deadpanned.

Still competing
Speaking after an afternoon practice briefly pelted by rain but largely unaffected, Miles said he wants position battles to go on as long as possible in the preseason.

“We’re going to have to let them go on,” he said, “because the opportunity to be the best is somewhere out there.”

Miles conceded Lee’s absences — three practices because of an ankle injury and three more because of his back — set him back, but Miles said Lee is “still very liable” for the season opener.

“The things that he’s done well, he’s going to have to get back and show that he’s healthy and ready to do those things yet again,” Miles said, “but after that, we will have enough of his work to judge his ability to play and how much he should play.”