Originally published September 3, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified September 3, 2008 at 6:16 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Cougars getting healthier as injured players return to practice
Back in April, Paul Wulff made an alarming observation about his injury-riddled football team's showing at spring camp. "It's hard to grow...
Special to The Seattle Times
PULLMAN — Back in April, Paul Wulff made an alarming observation about his injury-riddled football team's showing at spring camp.
"It's hard to grow when you don't have the pieces to grow with," the new Washington State football coach said.
After practice Tuesday, Wulff recited that same line — only he did so to highlight a different point.
A few key pieces are back — pieces that were badly missed in Saturday's 39-13 loss to Oklahoma State.
Wide receiver Jeshua Anderson took the field for the first time since having hernia surgery the first week of August. Anderson participated only in individual routes, but he is expected to participate in team drills as soon as today.
Punter Reid Forest also returned and was punting for the first time since breaking his left ankle in early July.
"Chances are good he will play," Wulff said of Saturday's home game against California at 3:30 p.m.
Wulff also said receiver Daniel Blackledge is "making some progress" and should be in the starting lineup sooner rather than later. Blackledge saw only limited action in last Saturday's game and the majority of camp because of a lingering hamstring injury.
The return of Anderson and Blackledge can't come soon enough for an offense that depends heavily on timing between the quarterback and the receiver.
In Saturday's loss, WSU started two receivers who had never taken a snap as a receiver at the college level — freshman Jared Karstetter and converted safety Michael Willis.
The result was an out-of-sync passing game that generated just 82 yards in the air and 196 yards of total offense. Last season, WSU averaged 388.1 yards.
"Everyone had a part in that — the quarterback, the receivers, offensive line," Wulff said. "They all had a breakdown here or there that didn't allow us to move efficiently."
![]()
Anderson would like to play this weekend but still needs medical clearance from team doctors.
"Even once we're healthy, it's still gonna take time to get rhythm," Wulff conceded. "It's one of those deals where we have to keep pressing forward. If guys are ready to go, they'll go. If not, there's really nothing we can do.
"The boat's moving forward, and we've got to keep going."
Notes
• Starting left guard Andrew Roxas left practice with team doctors after apparently injuring his right knee. Wulff had no idea of the severity of the injury or his availability for this weekend's game.
"It doesn't look good," he said. "It's one of those accidents that happens: Somebody fell down and fell into him."
• Wulff said he was happy with the team's energy at practice Tuesday. After last Wednesday's practice he expressed frustration with the way the team was practicing.
"A lot of the times [the way you practice] shows up in games," he said. "And it did."
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
WSU endures painful defeat at Arizona
Cougars QB Jeff Tuel returns to his Tucson roots
Against No. 21 Arizona, Cougars look to break five-game losing streak
Cougars walk-on Jared Byers thrilled to be getting the ball

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
336 - U.S. House passes health plan
332 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
229 - Decision day for health care in the House
209 - Grading the game
153 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
135 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
108 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
76 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
73 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
73
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- How do innovators think?
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall





