WSU Takes Long Look At Offense Reserve Defensive Lineman Joins Depleted Offensive Front

In an effort to add depth to Washington State’s offensive front, coaches have borrowed backup lineman Mickey Long from the defense.

Whether the move is permanent may depend on the shoulder of starting right guard Bryan Chiu, who left football practice Tuesday with what trainers hoped was only a bruise. Chiu, a senior transfer from Pacific, joined a crowded WSU training room.

“I’m glad we’re not playing this week,” head trainer Mark Smaha said, noting a bye on the Cougars’ schedule. “We’re beat up pretty good.”

Three players suffered what Smaha called turf-related injuries during Saturday night’s 38-34 victory over Temple in Philadelphia.

Starting receivers Shawn McWashington and Shawn Tims sprained ankles. Back-up linebacker Tom Wagner suffered a knee injury that is feared to be serious. Wagner will be evaluated by a specialist tonight.

All three watched Tuesday’s practice, and McWashington wore a soft cast.

“That turf is really brutal,” Smaha said. “It’s a brand new Astroturf, but it was pretty grabby. There is no question that the turf was a factor in the two ankle injuries and the knee injury.”

McWashington and Tims should be ready for the Sept. 21 home opener against Oregon, Smaha said.

Nance fever

Back-up defensive end Jonathan Nance leads the Cougars with three sacks and will command more playing time, head coach Mike Price said.

The junior transfer took part in six plays against Colorado, Price said, and about 12 against Temple.

“He may play 18 against Oregon,” Price added, clearly impressed by Nance’s proclivity for teeing off on quarterbacks. “He’s just gradually coming along and getting better. Excellent pass rusher.”

Back burner for Birnbaum

Before each of the Cougars’ first two games, Price said he expected to find playing time for backup quarterback Steve Birnbaum. It hasn’t happened.

“I was going to put him in on the first series of the second quarter at Temple,” Price said. “I almost did it, and then they scored.

“He went over and warmed up and took snaps and was all ready to go. All psyched and all the butterflies, and we had to sit him back down again. So that was disappointing.”

Birnbaum will play one quarter Saturday, when the JV squad visits Walla Walla Community College.

The game counts toward each player’s 11-game limit, meaning redshirt players are not eligible.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Silvernail honored Washington State All-American Sarah Silvernail was named Pacific-10 volleyball player of the week. Silvernail, a senior middle-blocker from Tacoma, was named most valuable player in last week’s Iowa State Invitational with 46 kills, 31 digs and 15 blocks. WSU raised its record to 7-0 with three tournament wins and is ranked fifth in the Volleyball Magazine poll and sixth in the USA TODAY/AVCA coaches poll. WSU plays in the Mizuno USA Cup in Chicago Friday and Saturday. The field includes No. 5 Penn State, No. 11 Notre Dame and Atlantic Coast runner-up Clemson.