Leaf-Less Cougars Look Flat Starting Qb Resting Sore Arm, But Should Scrimmage Today
Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf was held out of most passing drills Tuesday to rest a sore right arm, but the sophomore starter is expected to play during today’s 4 p.m. football scrimmage in Martin Stadium.
“We weren’t really as effective today … with a couple of other young quarterbacks,” coach Mike Price said. “It’s a little different when you get in there against the big guys. Things happen a little quicker.”
Leaf had plenty of company on the sideline as several Cougars nursed injuries. Receiver Kevin McKenzie and offensive left guard Jason McEndoo rested sore hamstrings, while defensive lineman Da’vid Evans limped around with a slight tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. If rehabilitation goes well, Evans could return in the next week or so.
Defensive tackle Gary Holmes received another injection in his ailing back and could resume running as early as next week, trainer Mark Smaha said.
Right tackle Ryan McShane gutted it out with the offense despite an injured hip. “He’s got a big bruise on his hip, and it fills up with fluid,” Price said. “They took 140 ccs of fluid off of it the other day before (Saturday’s) scrimmage.”
Rob Rainville, who is battling McShane for the job at right tackle, missed practice with an ear infection, while backup running back Miguel Meriwether continued to rehabilitate a sprained ankle.
Cornerback Shad Hinchen and receiver Shawn Tims returned to practice for the first time in several days. Hinchen has been troubled by tendinitis in his knees, Tims by a sprained shoulder. Backup linebacker Todd Nelson practiced despite a sprained back.
Scheduling changes
Today’s scrimmage replaces the scrimmages that had been scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. The new schedule calls for the Cougars to practice Thursday morning and Friday afternoon before Saturday’s 9 a.m. scrimmage, in which the first-team offense and defense will face a scout team attempting to employ schemes used by Colorado. WSU opens the season against the Buffaloes Aug. 31 in Boulder.
UW waiting for Dillon
The University of Washington is eagerly awaiting the addition of former Seattle high school star Corey Dillon.
“He will be an outstanding running back for us,” Huskies coach Jim Lambright said. “Now that he’s completed all of his work, we’re just waiting for the cycle of the official transcript from his junior college. All the work is completed and he will be a very fine addition to us.”
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Dillon attended Dixie Junior College.
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