Cards RB Dyer not back yet from thigh bruise

Michael Dyer's thigh contusion is healing, but the running back's return is still in doubt, University of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Monday.

Dyer suffered the quadriceps bruise during an intrasquad scrimmage two Saturdays ago and missed practice this past week. Petrino said Dyer hadn't made the progress coaches hoped he'd make in recent days, and that it's unclear if he'll be ready to play on Sept. 1 against Miami.

"He still has some swelling in there," Petrino said. "Today and tomorrow are big days to see if he'll be available."

A senior, Dyer had an impressive spring and made enough of an impact during summer and preseason workouts that he was nearing a back-by-committee approach with expected starter Dominique Brown.

His combination of speed and power made him stand out in August practices, and he was having another sharp workout during the scrimmage before taking a helmet to the thigh on a tackle near the sidelines.

The 5-foot-9, 214-pound Dyer should still have an impact this season. Petrino has raved about his talent whenever prompted.

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