LAKE CHARLES – Cowboy Stadium was the setting for Tuesday afternoon's practice for the McNeese Cowboys as periodic rains throughout the morning and early afternoon forced the team onto the turf.
 
Working out in full pads, the Cowboys worked with their usual practice schedule then was introduced to a surprise guest by head coach Matt Viator at the end of practice – McNeese Hall of Fame quarterback Kerry Joseph.
 
Joseph played for the Cowboys from 1992-95, led the team to two Southland Conference championships, four FCS playoff appearances, 42 wins in his four years, and an undefeated regular season in 1995.
 
He continues to hold eight school records and is easily regarded as one of the greatest players to every put on the blue and the gold.
 
"This is the first time I've been able to come back to see a practice in a long time," said Joseph who was the 2007 CFL Most Outstanding Player and led the Saskatchewan Roughriders to the Grey Cup title.
 
"It's always great to come back to 'The Hole'."
 
McNeese got some bad news on Tuesday when it learned that senior running back Dylan Long will miss the season to a knee injury. Long, who was injured during last Saturday's scrimmage, is expected to get a redshirt for the season and will be back on the field in 2016.
 
The Covington native entered the year ranked 12^th on the school's all-time career list with 20 rushing touchdowns and 13^th with 22 total tds scored.
 
He rushed for 346 yards last year and led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns.
 
The Cowboys also learned that sophomore defensive back Callen Smith will miss extensive time this year due to a foot injury and that transfer offensive lineman Matt Wilson is still sidelined with a knee injury.
 
McNeese will hit the practice field again on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 as it nears its final preseason scrimmage that will take place on Saturday morning at 9:45.