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UCLA football: Tackle Simon Goines limited in practice Wednesday

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UCLA has remained relatively healthy this spring, but that doesn’t mean there are not concerns.

Tackle Simon Goines could be a linchpin player for the offense. He missed last season after ankle surgery and was out all but six games during the 2013 season after knee surgery.

So the sight of him hobbling around Wednesday was an issue.

Goines was held out of individual contact drills and appeared in only half of the 11-on-11 work. He is believed to have tweaked his right leg.

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Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone would not comment on any injury, but said that Goines is important because, “he gives depth. That’s the one thing we haven’t had at that position.”

Goines has been working at right tackle with the first team. Kolton Miller took his spot for a few series Wednesday.

The injury is not believed to be serious. As for the knee and ankle, Goines has said they are fine.

“All the pain is gone,” Goines said. “I’m still working on range of motion every day. For the most part, everything is perfect.”

As to what two seasons of injuries taught him, Goines said: “Stay low and keep your feet moving. You never know when someone is going to hit you.”

The Bruins are also thinner at receiver after Mossi Johnson and Alex Van Dyke were relegated to the stationary bikes because of injuries. Johnson was injured Monday and Van Dyke on Wednesday. Receivers Darren Andrews (ankle) and Eldridge Massington (hamstring) are also limited to sideline work.

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Running back Craig Lee also suffered an undisclosed injury Wednesday. It is not considered serious. Cornerback Priest Willis (shoulder) was able to do seven-on-seven drills Wednesday.

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