Sports

As expected, Arizona State's Chris McGaha returned to practice Sunday. As long as he doesn't experience a setback, the junior receiver will participate in Saturday's season opener against Northern Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium.

"This is the fastest I've felt since the surgery," said McGaha, who had a fractured big toe repaired in April. "So it's definitely getting better."

McGaha - who last season led the Sun Devils in receptions and receiving yards - missed 10 practices and two scrimmages because of inflammation. He said a cortisone shot reduced the swelling, allowing him to start testing different shoes and taping. At practice, he wore a steel shank, which limits movement, along with orthotics for support.

Entering game week, the biggest issue becomes conditioning, but McGaha didn't think additional work beyond his daily practice repetitions would be necessary.

"We'll know more (today) to see how much pain he's got, but he looked awfully good," coach Dennis Erickson said. "Of course, he has pretty fresh legs."

Tailback Shaun DeWitty (hamstring), receiver Brandon Smith (hamstring) and defensive end James Brooks (ankle) also returned to practice.

No redshirt needed

Although personnel discussions continue, Erickson said at least eight true freshmen probably will play this season: defensive end Lawrence Guy, linebacker Brandon Magee, linebacker Shelly Lyons, cornerback Josh Jordan, tailback Ryan Bass, receiver Gerell Robinson offensive lineman Zach Schlink and safety Clint Floyd.

Another option is Andrew Sampson, recently promoted to second-team center because of an ankle injury to redshirt freshman Garth Gerhart.

Asked if he was surprised by any of the freshmen's progress, Erickson mentioned Schlink and Floyd but said, "I think anybody that plays as a freshman is kind of a surprise."

Extra point

ASU expects to pass 50,000 season-ticket packages sold, which would be the most in two decades. As of late last week, about 1,900 ticket packages remained.