Eppenger sent home

Coach Mike Sanford said he will revisit the situation with Eppenger after the Rebels return to Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Eppenger was in a battle with junior Martin Tevaseu for the No. 2 spot behind senior Jacob Hales, a Las Vegas High graduate. Sanford said Tevaseu probably will lock up the backup spot.

"(The punishment) was completely separate from the competition," Sanford said. "It was more of a team policy/attitude type issue."

PEEPLES NEEDS PRACTICE

After sitting out all of camp with an injured right foot, tailback David Peeples joined practice Sunday, but still isn’t all the way back. Peeples, a Cheyenne grad, went through the first of an NCAA-mandated five-day acclimation.

"It’s just a hard summer getting through everything, preparing myself for my senior season," he said. "It feels great to be out here with the rest of my family."

Peeples said he isn’t concerned about the missed time even with the heavy competition at tailback. Peeples said he knows the playbook and can catch up.

LIKES WEARING BLACK

Junior linebacker Jason Beauchamp wore the black jersey for the second time in a row, meaning he was the defensive standout from Saturday’s scrimmage. Sophomore offensive tackle Matt Murphy wore it for the offense.

BANGED UP

Sophomore starting defensive end Isaako Aaitui bruised his left quadriceps late in practice. His status is unknown.

FORGET THE REDSHIRT

Sanford said incoming freshman linebacker David Blair will play this season and not redshirt. Blair was among UNLV’s top recruits from the February class. He was listed the No. 16 middle linebacker in the nation by Scout.com.

GOING MORE LIGHTLY

UNLV practiced in Rebel Gear, which includes helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.