Jacquil Taylor limited in Purdue's preseason practices
Purdue big man Jacquil Taylor was held out of Monday's and Tuesday's practices and has been equipped with a walking boot in recent days, limiting him during the Boilermakers' preseason preparations.
According to sports information director Chris Forman, the matter is precautionary after a routine checkup — Taylor does have a history of foot injuries — revealed some apparent cause for concern. Taylor has not been experiencing pain, according to Forman.
It is not known at this point how much additional practice the junior might miss.
Though the situation would not seem to be considered serious at this point, it certainly isn't ideal for Purdue and a player who's missed three of the past five seasons to major injury and stands to be a key contributor this season.
After missing most of his freshman season due to the aftermath of a major foot injury in high school, Taylor missed all of last season after injuring his ankle in the preseason and undergoing surgery. He wasn't cleared for full participation again until weeks after season's end.
"It's very difficult being injured and being known for being the guy who's always hurt — Is he better? How's he going to be? Things like that," Taylor said this summer, prior to the World University Games. "But I think this is finally the year I'll stay healthy."
This season marks the point in Taylor's career, too, where Purdue will count on him, as its depth on the interior has mostly dispersed.
Taylor is slated to be Purdue's No. 2 center and a potentially important element given his superior mobility to starter Isaac Haas.
Redshirt freshman Matt Haarms is vying for minutes in the post,too, but Taylor's strong play at the World University Games in August solidified his standing. Haarms could not participate overseas.
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