Cougars QB Jeff Tuel using crutches, has kneecap injury

PULLMAN — Whether or not Washington State University has freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel available for Saturday's home game with UCLA has yet to determined.

"He's sore today, but [there was] very little swelling, which is a real positive," coach Paul Wulff said Sunday. "He had to get an MRI to see if there was anything going on more than they anticipated."

Tuel, who is still on crutches, was injured in the second quarter of the Cougars' 48-7 loss to the University of Arizona on Saturday, a defeat that dropped WSU's record to 1-8, 0-6 in the Pac-10.

The freshman was trying to scramble when linebacker Xavier Kelley caught him from behind. As Tuel went down, he slightly dislocated his kneecap, suffering what is known as a subluxation, in which the kneecap is pulled laterally from its usual path.

"It's just wait and see," said Wulff, who expects to know the MRI results Monday.

Since taking over as the starter five games ago, Tuel has completed 71 of 121 passes (58.7 percent) for 789 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.

If he can't go against UCLA (4-5, 1-5), sophomore Marshall Lobbestael will step in as the starter.

Lobbestael is 56 of 116 for 578 yards this season. He has thrown three touchdown passes — including a 64-yarder to Jared Karstetter for WSU's only score against UA — and five interceptions.

But quarterback isn't the only area of injury concern this week. The Cougars lost two safeties Saturday and played the second half with Myron Beck, who has played mostly linebacker this season. Wulff is hoping usual starting strong safety Chima Nwachukwu will be able to return from his sprained ankle.

Kicker Nico Grasu (quadriceps pull) and left tackle Tyson Pencer (ankle sprain) will probably miss this week.

Wulff admits his team is tired after playing five of the last six games on the road, all losses and all against schools that were ranked at some time this season.

"That's a pretty tough stretch for any team in the country," Wulff said.