ASU’s Altieri out indefinitely with concussion

Thomas Altieri departed Arizona State’s morning practice on Monday with what coach Dennis Erickson said was a concussion, an ailment that will sideline the junior for an indefinite time.

Cornerback battle still wide open at ASU

Considering that he is trying to hold off redshirt freshman Garth Gerhart for the starting center job, Altieri potentially has a lot to lose by missing practice snaps.

“That position is still a flip of a coin,” Erickson said. “I wouldn’t want to be out of there very long. That’s something that is evaluated every single day, If somebody is moved ahead of you, you have to go back and earn it. That is the nature of football.”

Altieri, who has played in three games in two seasons, had a slight edge over Gerhart after spring practice. Last week, the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder said he felt he had become a more consistent blocker.

“The coaches reiterate that every day, consistency in my technique and staying low,” Altieri said. “When it comes down to it, it’s a game of inches, and the competition is hot right now. That’s the way I want it, because it’s going to strive to make me work harder and be a better player and leader.”

Gerhart (6-0, 305) was a teammate of first-string right tackle Adam Tello at Norco (Calif.) High.

“Garth is improving all of the time,” Erickson said. “He really stands out when you are watching tape.”

INJURY REPORT

In other aches and pains, wide receiver Chris McGaha said that, during the second practice Monday, he aggravated the toe he had surgery on in April. He finished the workout, which was on FieldTurf in the indoor facility.

“It felt great in the morning practice,” McGaha said. “Hopefully, I’ll get some treatment and come back (today).

He anticipates being at 100 percent for the start of the season. Erickson said there is no need to rush McGaha, who might sit out a scrimmage that will take place today.

Quarterback Samson Szakacsy needed a shot in his surgically repaired right (throwing) elbow and missed the afternoon practice. Wide receiver Kyle Williams (concussion) and running back Shaun DeWitty (hamstring) were out, and defensive lineman David Bertrand (shoulder) wore an orange (noncontact) jersey.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Matt Hustad (6-4, 275) has returned to practice after suffering from mononucleosis.

“He’s got a chance (to play), I’m telling you,” Erickson said. “I want to see what he can do when he’s healthy.”

Hustad missed spring drills while rehabilitating from 2007 knee surgery.

EXTRA POINTS

The scrimmage format today calls for 12-play series, with the first-team units squaring off, then the second-team units and so on. Starting quarterback Rudy Carpenter will get about 30 snaps, Erickson said. …

Single-game tickets for ASU’s seven home contests go on sale Thursday. The Sept. 20 game against preseason No. 1 Georgia could sell out within a few hours, school officials believe.