Florida State received a bit of good news Wednesday when its leading tackler from a season ago returned to practice, signaling that he’ll be able to play against No. 1 Alabama on Saturday night.
Multiple reports from outlets which cover FSU stated Matthew Thomas was cleared to return to practice.
Thomas, a 6-foot-4, 227-pound senior linebacker from Miami, didn’t practice Monday or Tuesday. On the ACC coaches teleconference Wednesday morning, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said he’s uncertain if Thomas will play.
“He did not return to practice yet,” Fisher said. “I thought he would’ve by now. I would’ve thought he’d have been there. But if he’s ready to play he’ll play. He knows our scheme inside and out as far as that. He’s been knowing it for a long time.”
Pressed on whether or not he thinks Thomas will be available, Fisher was non-committal.
“Umm, I don’t know. Until he gets there, you’re always concerned.”
Leading tackler
Thomas led the Seminoles with 77 tackles a season ago, including a game-high 15 tackles against Michigan in the Orange Bowl. In 25 career games, he’s totaled 107 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss.
He was on the preseason Badnarik and Butkus awards watch lists.
