You'd never know Beau Bell has been battling a high ankle sprain. He had two sacks and three quarterback hurries in Saturday's rout over San Jose.

Watching practice at the last few media days, Bell is often by himself stretching or conditioning, or he's working with a member of the training staff. He'd prefer practicing, but the reduced workload limits wear and tear on his body and allows him to play on game day. He's been productive, despite dealing with an injury that typically sidelines players for 3-4 weeks.

More on the flexible practice schedule in my Shock notebook here.

Also, there's a note near the bottom on Raul Vijil, whose No. 15 was scheduled to be retired during Saturday's home game with Jacksonville. Vijil was in the Shock offices late last week to put his signature on retirement papers, but declined. It doesn't necessarily mean Vijil is plotting a comeback. It simply leaves the option open. 

Majority owner Brady Nelson said retirement papers aren't required by the AFL, but he wants to be certain that when a number is retired the player doesn't return two months later with Spokane or the following season with another team. Makes sense. If Vijil has any doubts, he did the wise thing. A retirement ceremony can always be held at a later date, next season, etc.

Vijil was with the team from its inaugural season in 2006 through 2011. Other than No. 9 (for the ninth man), Vijil's No. 15 jerseys are still the most popular in the stands at Shock home games.