Parker back for limited practice with Cardinals

The University of Louisville's star wide receiver, DeVante Parker, returned to practice on Tuesday as scheduled and participated on a limited basis, U of L offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said.

Parker was cleared to resume regular football activities after missing the first six weeks of the season with a fractured bone in his foot. McGee said how the 6-foot-3, 208-pound receiver handles practices over the next three days will determine how much, if at all, Parker plays in Saturday's game at Clemson.

"We have to see how he practices," McGee said. "He can bring some energy and enthusiasm to the team if he's healthy enough."

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McGee said Louisville's offensive options expand when Parker, who's considered a potential first-round NFL draft pick, is in the lineup. A receiver of his stature "changes the defensive structure" when he can play.

"When he's healthy, he's one of the top players in college football," McGee said. "Any offensive coach or player on any team would say that, if you have one of the best players on your level of football and then he's not available, that's going to change some things."

QB situation cloudier

McGee said quarterback Will Gardner was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and looked sharp.

Gardner, a redshirt sophomore, started the first four games of the season before suffering an unspecified knee injury in Louisville's win over FIU on Sept. 20. He didn't practice the week following the injury and was only available as an emergency option in Friday's win over Syracuse.

"He's doing well," McGee said. "He's healthy. He took a lot of reps today."

With Gardner back, Louisville now faces a decision: Do the Cards (5-1) start Gardner, or keep going with freshman quarterback Reggie Bonnafon, who's started the past two games?

Both McGee and head coach Bobby Petrino won't say who will start at Clemson.

"We have two guys who are big-time players," McGee said. "We're really in a good position."

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).