Bye week tinkering started with the first practice Tuesday afternoon.

The Oregon State football team is trying to restructure the offensive line now that there’s a new option available for the next game.

Senior offensive tackle Tavita Thompson will be eligible Nov. 1 in time to face Arizona State, and coach Mike Riley wants to see during the bye week if the former starter can play right away.

“Tavita is back in the mix,” Riley said. “He is definitely back, eligible to play and will suit up for us against Arizona State.”

Thompson was ruled ineligible for a calendar year by the NCAA at midseason last year for using an NCAA-banned diet pill sold over the counter.

He missed the final six games last year and the first seven games this season. Thompson started the first seven games of 2007 before the suspension.

“I’m excited beyond words,” Thompson said. “I can’t put together any combination of words to say how excited I am to get back on the field to play with these guys. It’s great to know the support is there. Coach is giving me an opportunity to show him something, so I have to come out and play my hardest.”

Thompson moved into the first-string offense, manning his old right tackle position Tuesday. The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder had been working with the scout team.

During his time away from the regular offense he stayed focused on his off-the-field training and kept a good attitude during the wait. Thompson helped younger players improve and gave defensive linemen tips on how to handle offensive linemen.

“Honestly, it’s mentally tough knowing you want to be on the other side,” Thompson said. “But I was there with the scout team. That’s where I got my work, and I just made the best of it. Sometimes I got tired, but I got (defensive end) Victor Butler and other guys on the defensive line to keep me going and keep pushing.”

Redshirt freshman Mike Remmers won a long position battle during spring practice and August’s training camp to take Thompson’s place and has played well. He was moved to backup right tackle and worked in at backup left tackle during practice.

“We’re pleased with the job Mike Remmers has been doing, but we are going to push Tavita and we’ll see about that starting deal as we go,” Riley said.

Even without Thompson, the offensive line has turned into the strength of the offense. The quarterback has been sacked only eight times in seven games, and quarterback Lyle Moevao leads the Pacific-10 Conference in passing with 254.1 yards a game.

Freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers leads the conference in rushing at 116 yards a game.

Reworking a unit that has been successful isn’t something the Beavers plan to do just because they can, but if it can improve them they will make the change.

“Chemistry is a really big thing,” Thompson said of fitting back in with the linemen. “I’m just happy they are accepting me again. Today (starting offensive guard) Gregg Peat pulled me aside and told me he can’t wait to have me back. It’s the little things like that, knowing my teammates are there for me. I want to be there for them.”