David Richards has a better-than-likely chance to make his 2013 debut this week. Photo by Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
A pair of Arizona Wildcats who have yet to play this season are listed as probable on the team’s official injury report for this week’s game at Washington.
Meanwhile, starting right tackle Fabbians Ebbele is questionable because of an ankle injury.
Ebbele left the UTSA game on Sept. 14 in the first quarter and did not return. Sophomore Lene Maiava replaced him for the remainder of the game, although it’s not clear who would step in at right tackle this week if needed.
This week’s depth chart listed Jacob Arzouman as the backup right tackle for the first time.
The probables are junior defensive lineman Dan Pettinato (knee) and wide receiver David Richards (foot).
Pettinato was “full-go” in practice last week, according to coach Rich Rodriguez, after missing spring and fall camps because of his injury. He started nine games last season — five at tackle and four at end — making 34 tackles.
“He’s an experienced guy and a really good player,” Rodriguez said last week. “We were fortunate to get by without him. … Having Dan back is a big key for us.”
Richards, recovering from summer surgery, was considered more iffy earlier in the week, with Rodriguez taking a wait-and-see approach Monday. The next two days of practice apparently went well for Richards, who, at 6-4, would give Arizona needed size on the outside.
He caught 29 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns last season, making him the team’s top returning wideout.
“It’s a little bit of a comfort level as a coach because you know you have a guy who knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s going to be where he’s supposed to be,” receivers coach Tony Dews said last week about Richards.
“Getting into the league, he’s played against some of these corners before, so he knows what to expect.”
Arizona’s game at Washington starts at 4 p.m. Saturday and will be televised nationally by FOX.