Justin Washington could miss his second consecutive game Saturday. Photo by Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE
While the Arizona Wildcats’ injury-plagued secondary is getting healthier, their defensive line is not.
Four defensive linemen of note — who have started a combined 26 games this season — all showed up on interim coach Tim Kish’s injury report Monday morning.
Here goes:
–Defensive end C.J. Parish, who did not play last week at Colorado because of an ankle injury, is doubtful.
–Defensive tackle Sione Tuihalamaka, who left last week’s game with an infected elbow, is probable. Kish said of Tuihalamaka’s elbow during the game: “He just couldn’t straighten it out.” Tuihalamaka has started nine games, making 11 tackles.
–Defensive tackle Justin Washington is doubtful because of an MCL sprain. He didn’t play last week. He missed two games in October after minor knee surgery.
–Defensive tackle Jowyn Ward is doubtful because of a high ankle sprain. He started in place of Washington at Colorado but played only a couple of series before suffering the ankle injury.
At the tackle positions, Arizona used Chris Merrill, Saneilia Fuimaono and Aiulua Fanene in the rotation at Colorado. Kish could move Kirifi Taula back inside, but the coach likes the size Taula brings on the outside.
Taula and Dan Pettinato have each started the past two games at end; Parish had started the first eight games.
In the secondary, cornerback Trevin Wade is probable after sitting out last week because of a leg injury. Cornberbacks Shaquille Richardson (ankle) and Cortez Johnson (concussion) returned to the field last week.
Kish reiterated Monday what he said after the 48-29 loss to Colorado: The team’s overall effort was lacking. That could lead to some shakeups this week at Arizona State, especially on defense.
“We’re just going to play the guys that prepare the hardest this week, and we’ll make the decision at the end of the week as to who goes,” Kish said.
“We’re probably going to make a couple little changes. I don’t want to elaborate on that right now. We’re going to move some people around and get the best 11 on the field. …. I definitely want to make some moves.”
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