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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Kaleb Fossum’s return to Washington State could be spoiled by knee injury

Washington State wide receiver Kaleb Fossum (83) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against California in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) ORG XMIT: WAYK110 (Young Kwak / AP)

PULLMAN – Former Washington State football player Kaleb Fossum may not get the Pullman Homecoming he’d planned on.

Fossum, a former walk-on wide receiver/returner for the Cougars, transferred to Nevada this offseason when the Wolf Pack gave him the opportunity to earn a scholarship. Naturally, Fossum penciled in Saturday’s game at Martin Stadium against his old team, but due to a dislocated knee, there’s a chance he won’t travel to the Palouse or line up against the Cougars.

Nevada coach Jay Norvell told local media on Monday that Fossum, who missed games against Toledo and Idaho State, is doubtful for the WSU game.

“He’s probably doubtful for the weekend,” Norvell said. “He just had a little setback and it doesn’t look very probable that he’ll play, but he has a little time to still work that out.”

It appeared that Fossum, an inside receiver, would play an integral role in offensive coordinator Matt Mumme’s Air Raid attack this season. He had four catches for 36 yards before leaving Nevada’s season opener at Northwestern with an injury.

Fossum played two seasons for the Cougars and had his best moment in crimson and gray last year when he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown during a home game against Cal. Fossum was fourth in the Pac-12 with 9.1 yards per return in 2016.

WSU was prepared to put Fossum on scholarship, though at that point, the Lake Forest, California, native had already committed to Norvell and the Wolf Pack.

“I’m real happy for him,” WSU coach Mike Leach said Monday in a news conference. “Went there, got on scholarship and he’s a fantastic guy. Just a great guy.”