Stanford battled shorthanded through its first session of spring practice. Three weeks off have given the Cardinal's bruises some time to heal, and the team has returned for the second stretch on the mend.

Lineman Solomon Thomas returned from a toe injury Monday, helping fortify a Stanford defensive front that practiced throughout most of the first session with only three healthy bodies. David Shaw also noted that Aziz Shittu, the line's most experienced body, is ahead of schedule in recovery from the serious injury that ended his 2014 season. This all comes as welcome news for the Cardinal, who are also expected to lean on Cal transfer Brennan Scarlett and walk-on outside linebacker Torsten Rotto to fill out their once-decimated front.

The program seems particularly excited about the sophomore Thomas, who has packed on 23 pounds of strength since his arrival on campus less than a year ago. This video documents some of the work the team has done with sports performance director Shannon Turley this offseason.

Running back Remound Wright also returned to practice after missing the first spring session due to a disciplinary issue. The senior re-enters a competitive situation that also features Barry Sanders and dynamic talent Christian McCaffrey, who seems to be a primary center of attention for the Stanford offense moving forward. McCaffrey has added eight pounds of muscle since the end of last season.

Recruiting followers are still buzzing about the Stanford commitment of touted quarterback K.J. Costello, and Andy Drukarev examined the impact of his decision.

Finally, here's a chance to see Shaw wearing a Clemson windbreaker. The Cardinal coach visited Dabo Swinney's program and detailed some of the similarities it shares with his.