After missing most of the Indiana game and all of the Iowa game, junior tight end Dion Sims returned to the field last week against Michigan, but wasn’t able to fulfill his normal role.
Before injuring his ankle early in the game against Indiana, Sims was the MSU football team’s (4-4 overall, 1-3 Big Ten) leading receiver on the season.
Sims’ playing time was significantly reduced in his first game back last Saturday, and he characterized himself as 75 percent healthy at the time.
Head coach Mark Dantonio said this week will be big in determining the role Sims will have this weekend.
“Dion played the first half, then we held him the second half because he really wasn’t 100 percent,” Dantonio said.
“This is the first practice we have. I would anticipate him playing more and more.”
Sims said the percentage hasn’t changed this week, but he feels better able to make an impact this Saturday.
“I’m actually getting closer, progressing,” Sims said. “I feel much better today.”
He added that the most difficult part of returning from injury has been run blocking and that running passing routes has been much easier.
Sims has 24 catches on the season for 313 yards with two touchdowns.
He ranks third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards and is tied for first in touchdown receptions.
MSU will return to action when it hits the road to face Wisconsin (6-2, 3-1) on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC).
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