Huskies’ backup QB suffers broken hand

SEATTLE – Washington sophomore quarterback Johnny DuRocher broke a bone in his left, non-throwing wrist, in the Huskies’ 18-10 loss to Oregon State on Saturday.

The injury was revealed during Monday’s weekly press conference.

However, it remained unclear what the injury means for the UW quarterback situation. Against Oregon State, DuRocher saw his first significant playing time of the season, playing the entire second half in relief of Isaiah Stanback.

However, coach Tyrone Willingham said Monday he isn’t sure how DuRocher’s injury will affect who starts Saturday’s game at Arizona.

DuRocher, who has a cast on his left arm, says doctors told him he would be out 4-to-6 weeks. Then, DuRocher said he would “definitely miss this week.” Then, DuRocher said if he can regain some mobility in the wrist, they may cut off the cast and try to fit him for a splint so he might play this week. Then, DuRocher indicated again he probably would not play this week.

The likelihood leans toward DuRocher being out this week and Stanback getting the start against the Wildcats (2-4 Pac-10, 3-6 overall), who have won two in a row, including a rout of UCLA on Saturday.

“I felt sorry for him,” Stanback said of DuRocher. “You never want a teammate to get hurt. I felt bad for him. But he’ll be back.”

After playing poorly against Arizona State and then struggling in the first half against Oregon State, Stanback was pulled and DuRocher, a transfer from Oregon, came on but didn’t fare much better. DuRocher was 11 of 30 for 103 yards, one touchdown and one interception (Stanback was 5 of 12 for 104 yards).

One player who will not play is senior middle linebacker Joe Lobendahn, who suffered a knee injury against OSU and will miss the rest of the season, Willingham said.

Junior Tahj Bomar, who forced a fumble against OSU, will start in Lobendahn’s place.

Wide receiver Anthony Russo suffered a concussion against Oregon State, but Willingham said he is fine and will play this week.