Brooks Reed is carted off the field in the second quarter of the Thanksgiving day game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Photo by Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Texans D takes a hit — Brooks Reed expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a groin injury. No surgery, but tough loss as home-field race heats up.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 23, 2012

Former Arizona Wildcats defensive end Brooks Reed will be out at least three-to-four weeks because of groin injury suffered while playing for the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving, according to a report from the NFL Network.

Reed was injured in a 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions.

The second-year pro could be out for as much as six weeks, wrote Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle, which would take the timetable for his return into the playoffs. Houston is 10-1, leading the race to home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs.

Reed has 23 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and a forced fumble. He had six sacks as a rookie.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia rookie quarterback Nick Foles will make his second consecutive start in place of Michael Vick (concussion). Foles struggled in a 31-6 loss to Washington last week, but ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski saw some positives and says Foles will be a ‘good one’ in the NFL.

Foles will be in the spotlight, as the Eagles play Carolina on Monday night.

Rob Gronkowski was injured while blocking on an extra-point attempt. Photo by Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

It was the most eventful Sunday of the season for former Arizona Wildcats in the NFL.

Let’s start with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The All-Pro, near the end of a brilliant game in which he had seven catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns, suffered a broken left forearm while blocking for an extra point.

He is expected to be out 4-to-6 weeks, which should put him back in time for the playoffs, at the latest.

Gronkowski has 53 receptions for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games this season.

It also was an unhappy day for rookie quarterback Nick Foles, making his first start with the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing Michael Vick (concussion). Foles was intercepted on his first two possessions and struggled through a 31-6 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Foles completed 21 of 46 passes for 204 yards, with no touchdowns.

“I didn’t play well at all. I know it,” he told reporters after the game (video here).

“Tomorrow is another day and an opportunity to get better. … I’ve played bad games before. This is one of them.”

Philly fans had hoped Foles was the savior … but, hey, it was just one game. The Eagles are a mess right now at 3-7, having lost six in a row. They have a ton of issues other than quarterback and could soon (OK, almost certainly) be looking for a new coach.

Meanwhile, Foles’ favorite target at Arizona, the Oakland Raiders’ Juron Criner, made the first touchdown catch of his NFL career. The rookie fifth-rounder, who routinely made difficult catches in the end zone at Arizona, made an over-the-shoulder catch along the sideline for a 3-yard score (video here).

Criner has seven catches this season — five in the past two weeks.

In other ex-Cat news, the Cleveland Browns added defensive end Ricky Elmore to their practice squad last week. Elmore, a sixth-round pick of Green Bay in 2011, was released from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in September.

This is Elmore’s fifth team.

Here is the list of former Arizona Wildcats in the NFL:

Active
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OL, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, CB, San Diego
–Juron Criner, WR, Oakland
–Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Robert Golden, DB, Pittsburgh
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Denver
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, OLB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Detroit
–Trevin Wade, CB, Cleveland

Practice squad
–WR David Douglas (New York Giants)
–OLB Ricky Elmore (Cleveland)

Waived
–C Colin Baxter (San Diego)
–WR Gino Crump (Arizona)
–DE Lionel Dotson (Buffalo)
–OL Adam Grant (Denver)
–TE Fendi Onobun (Buffalo)
–LB Paul Vassallo (Arizona)

Injured reserve
–LB Spencer Larsen (New England)
–DB Nate Ness (Carolina)

Juron Criner (right) celebrates his touchdown catch with Oakland Raiders receiver Rod Streater. Photo by Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Thomas couldn’t catch another former Arizona Wildcat — Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs — during an interception return for a touchdown on Oct. 7. Photo by Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Former Arizona Wildcats receiver Mike Thomas is on the move to Detroit, while ex-UA quarterback Nick Foles is going to stay right where he’s been — on the Philadelphia bench.

Thomas, a fourth-year pro, was traded Tuesday from Jacksonville to the Lions, with an official announcement pending as of Wednesday morning until he passes his physical.

“Money Mike” (5-8, 198) caught 158 passes for 1,688 yards in his first three seasons with Jacksonville, but his role had been diminished this season, even after signing a five-year, $19 million contract extension after last year.

After catching a Pac-12 career record 259 passes with the Wildcats, Thomas was a fourth-round pick of Jacksonville in 2009. The Jaguars reportedly received a fifth-round pick for Thomas in the trade with Detroit, where he could work in the slot and as a returner. Some of the early buzz has him as a possibility to be a multiple threat lined up in the backfield.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be out there running around doing something,” Thomas told the Detroit Free Press. “That’s all I can ask for is just to get out there and have an opportunity to contribute and we’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile, as the Philadelphia Eagles season spirals, coach Andy Reid said Wednesday morning he is sticking with Michael Vick as his starting quarterback. Foles, a rookie third-rounder, has been Vick’s backup through the team’s 3-4 start, but hasn’t taken a snap.

Speculation was that Reid would insert Foles for the turnover-prone Vick for Monday night’s game at New Orleans. That would be a heck of a spot — and spotlight — for a rookie quarterback to make his starting debut. Perhaps Foles will get his first taste of playing time anyway and become the first Arizona quarterback since 1973 to throw a pass in the NFL.

Elsewhere, former Arizona offensive lineman Eben Britton has lost his starting job in Jacksonville.

Here is the list of former Arizona Wildcats in the NFL:

Active
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OL, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, CB, San Diego
–Juron Criner, WR, Oakland
–Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Robert Golden, DB, Pittsburgh
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Denver
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, OLB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Detroit
–Trevin Wade, CB, Cleveland

Practice squad
–WR David Douglas (New York Giants)

Waived
–C Colin Baxter (San Diego)
–WR Gino Crump (Arizona)
–DE Lionel Dotson (Buffalo)
–OLB Ricky Elmore (Arizona)
–OL Adam Grant (Denver)
–TE Fendi Onobun (Buffalo)
–LB Paul Vassallo (Arizona)

Injured reserve
–LB Spencer Larsen (New England)
–DB Nate Ness (Carolina)

Trevin Wade is one of four rookies from Arizona to make the NFL. Photo by Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

UPDATE: WR David Douglas was added to the New York Giants’ practice squad Saturday after being cut by the team, while Ricky Elmore landed on the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals on Monday after being waived by San Diego.

NFL teams have made their final roster cuts, and there are 14 former Arizona Wildcats still standing.

Undrafted rookie free agent safety Robert Golden beat the odds and earned a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster. Golden had an impressive camp at free safety, including an interception.

Four players from last year’s Arizona team made rosters, the most prominent of whom is quarterback Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles. The third-round pick had the third-highest passing efficiency rating (110.1) of any NFL quarterback in the preseason, earning the backup role to Michael Vick.

Fifth-round receiver Juron Criner is solidly in the Oakland Raiders’ plan as a backup, and seventh-round cornerback Trevin Wade stuck with Cleveland, impressing the coaches as part of the team’s nickel package.

Four former Wildcats were cut as teams made their final cuts Friday. They were: second-year center Colin Baxter (San Diego), undrafted rookie free agent receiver David Douglas (New York Giants), second-year offensive lineman Adam Grant (Denver) and second-year outside linebacker Ricky Elmore (San Diego).

They could be added to practice squads, or signed by other teams, starting Saturday.

When I say God is good!! He is too Good!!! Thank You Lord!!! Thank You Lord!!!!! Made the 53Man Roster!! Thank You Lord!

— Robert Golden (@R0bG0lden) August 31, 2012

Here is a look at the ex-Cats in the NFL:

Active
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, CB, San Diego
–Juron Criner, WR, Oakland
–Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Robert Golden, DB, Pittsburgh
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Denver
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, OLB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville
–Trevin Wade, CB, Cleveland

Practice squad
–WR David Douglas (New York Giants)
–OLB Ricky Elmore (Arizona)

Waived
–C Colin Baxter (San Diego)
–WR Gino Crump (Arizona)
–DE Lionel Dotson (Buffalo)
–OL Adam Grant (Denver)
–TE Fendi Onobun (Buffalo)
–LB Paul Vassallo (Arizona)

Injured reserve
–LB Spencer Larsen (New England)
–DB Nate Ness (Carolina)

Former All-Pac-10 linebacker Spencer Larsen won’t get a chance to play with the New England Patriots this season. Photo by Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

NFL teams had to cut their rosters from 90 to 75 by Monday afternoon, which brought a mix of news for former Arizona Wildcats on the bubble.

Deeper cuts — down to 53 players — have to be made by Friday night.

At various times in late summer or early in camp, there were 24 former Wildcats on NFL rosters. That number is down to 18, but at least one is more secure today: Placekicker Nick Folk has won his battle with Josh Brown, who was released by the New York Jets on Monday.

The news wasn’t good for linebacker-turned-fullback Spencer Larsen, signed in the offseason by the New England Patriots. The team placed Larsen on season-ending injured reserve.

Some of the longer-shots on the list, such as undrafted rookie free agents David Douglas (New York Giants) and Robert Golden (Pittsburgh), survived the first cuts. Golden, a safety, intercepted a pass in most recent preseason game. One of Golden’s competitors for a roster spot, Myron Rolle, was waived Monday.

Here is a look at who is where, with new links to recent stories:

Colin Baxter, C, San Diego
Baxter, who started an Arizona Wildcats record 48 consecutive games, bounced between the Chargers and the New York Jets as a rookie. The former undrafted free agent is battling David Molk for a backup spot with San Diego.

Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
Briggs is the most-decorated of the former Wildcats in the NFL, a stalwart on the Bears’ defense for the past nine seasons, recording 969 tackles. Being selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls puts him in unbelievable company in franchise history; Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary are the only other Bears to accomplish that. He is still going strong at 31, and he signed a contract extension in the spring to take him through the 2014 season.

Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
Britton started 15 games at right tackle as a rookie in 2009, but injuries have limited him to 11 games over the past two seasons. Injuries shuffled the Jags’ line during camp, and it now looks as if Britton’s new home will be left guard.

Antoine Cason, CB, San Diego
Cason, the 2007 Jim Thorpe Award winner and the brightest defensive star of the Mike Stoops era, has started the past two seasons for the Chargers, breaking up 17 passes each year. The former first-round pick has 10 career interceptions in four NFL seasons.

Juron Criner, WR, Oakland
One of the most prolific receivers in school history (209 catches for 2,859 yards and a UA-record 32 touchdowns), Criner drew rave reviews in Raiders’ OTAs and minicamps after being selected in the fifth round. Could be a steal.

Recent story: Criner makes two long TD catches in preseason game

David Douglas, WR, New York Giants
Douglas faces long odds as an undrafted free agent, but he showed great hands and route running at Arizona, and his athleticism was often underrated. He made 117 receptions in his final two seasons with the Cats. Reports from camp have been that he has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to make the tough catch. At worst, Douglas is going to end up on somebody’s practice squad.

Recent story: David Douglas impresses despite stat line

Ricky Elmore, OLB, San Diego
He was a sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2011, but didn’t make it through camp while trying to transition from a prolific college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker. Elmore, who had 21.5 sacks in his final two seasons at Arizona, is getting another chance with the Chargers.

Recent story: Elmore finding new life in San Diego

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia
An Arizona quarterback in the NFL? Foles, who rewrote the Wildcats passing records, will try to become the first former UA quarterback to throw a pass in an NFL game since Bill Demory in 1973. Foles, a third-round pick, has been the talk of Philly with three very good preseason games that put him in position to be the primary backup to Michael Vick.

Recent story: Foles having a blast in the preseason

Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
Folk, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys in 2007, has connected on 49 of 64 field goals in his two seasons with the Jets and has hit from beyond 50 yards in each of his five NFL seasons.

Robert Golden, DB, Pittsburgh
Golden, an undrafted free agent, started at cornerback and safety with Arizona. He’s trying to latch on with the Steelers at safety.

Adam Grant, OT, Denver
Undrafted after the 2010 season, Grant stuck with the Broncos’ practice squad all of last season and was invited back to camp. If he doesn’t make the active roster, he’ll probably end up back on the practice squad.

Chris Gronkowski, FB, Denver
His favorable rookie season in Dallas in 2010 took a bad turn when he missed a block that got quarterback Tony Romo injured. Gronkowski played seven games for the Colts last season before being shut down because of a torn pectoral muscle. Perhaps he will get a chance to do this season what he didn’t last year with the Colts — protect Peyton Manning.

Recent story: Chris Gronkowski relishing fullback role

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
The NFL party boy is coming back from post-Super Bowl ankle surgery and he will try to continue his march toward being one of the great tight ends in NFL history. He caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns last season (a record for tight ends).

Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
Mitchell is a third-year pro who has been a solid contributor to the Texans, making 55 career tackles, and he’s back to battle Shaun Cody again for playing time at nose tackle. He might not be the traditional plugger in the middle of the 3-4 front, but he puts his athleticism to good use and should have a long NFL career.

Brooks Reed, OLB, Houston
Reed was excellent as a rookie last season, stepping into a starting role and making 45 tackles, including six sacks in the regular season. The former UA defensive end — a second-round pick — is quick with his pass-rushing first step, and Wildcats fans know all about his relentless motor.

D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
Reed, despite being a backup at Arizona, was intriguing enough as an athlete to be a seventh-round pick in 2011. He was not active for any game last season.

Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville
Thomas, a fourth-round pick in 2009, set a franchise rookie record with 48 catches for 453 yards. He followed up with team-highs in catches in each of the past two seasons, although the Jags’ aerial attack was rather anemic last year with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. Thomas, who caught 44 passes for 415 yards last season, will have a new running mate this season to spark the passing game — two-time Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State.

Trevin Wade, CB, Cleveland
The seventh-round rookie had a solid senior season, bouncing back from junior struggles, and looked good in various offseason activities. “I think he’s got a feel for playing the game at corner,” Browns coach Pat Shurmer recently told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Waived
–WR Gino Crump (Arizona)
–DE Lionel Dotson (Buffalo)
–TE Fendi Onobun (Buffalo)
–LB Paul Vassallo (Arizona)

Injured reserve
–LB Spencer Larsen (New England)
–DB Nate Ness (Carolina)

Spencer Larsen won't get to block for QB Peyton Manning in Denver ... but working with Tom Brady isn't bad. Photo by Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Former Arizona Wildcats linebacker Spencer Larsen, a versatile player who was converted to fullback with the Denver Broncos, has agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, a league source told the Boston Globe on Thursday.

Larsen, 28, mostly has been known for two things in his four-year NFL career: He did rare double-duty when he started at linebacker and fullback in the same game as a rookie (also playing on special teams), and he caught the first career touchdown pass from Tim Tebow.

He’s been mostly a blocking fullback and a special teams player in the past two seasons, earning a reputation as a smart, hard-working, high-character player. Which is no surprise to anyone who knew him as a Wildcat.

Larsen — who was selected to our Arizona all-decade team — was a sixth-round pick of the Broncos in 2008.

He rushed 14 times for 44 yards last season, and he has 14 receptions for 127 yards in the past two years.

He will be reunited in New England with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was the Broncos’ head coach in 2009 and 2010. Larsen will also join one of his Arizona teammates — tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Here is the updated list of ex-Cats on NFL rosters:

–Colin Baxter, C, San Diego
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Ricky Elmore, DE, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, New England
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Nate Ness, CB, St. Louis
–Fendi Onobun, TE, Buffalo
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville

Eben Britton is done for the season after being place on injured reserve. Photo by Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

Former Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Eben Britton is off the Jacksonville Jaguars active roster, and ex-UA basketball player Fendi Onobun is on.

Britton, a third-year player, has been bothered by injuries the past two seasons. After starting 15 games as a rookie in 2009, he missed the final nine games of last season with a shoulder injury. He had back problems in camp this year, and, according to an AP story, developed an infection following back surgery.

Britton, an offensive tackle who had started some games at guard this season, was placed on injured reserve Monday.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars have been in need of better play at tight end in the wake of Marcedes Lewis’ disappointing season. The Jags signed Onobun from the Washington Redskins’ practice squad, where he spent about a week.

Here is the updated list of ex-Cats in the NFL:

Active roster
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, Denver
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Fendi Onobun, TE, Jacksonville
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville

Injured reserve
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis

Practice squads
–Colin Baxter, C, San Diego
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Nate Ness, CB, St. Louis

Fendi Onobun with the Rams in the 2011 preseason. Photo by Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Former Arizona Wildcats basketball player Fendi Onobun has a new home — the Washington Redskins.

Washington signed Onobun to its practice squad earlier this week, which will his third team this season.

Onobun, a raw talent who played tight end for one year at the University of Houston after his basketball eligibility was exhausted, spent last season with the St. Louis Rams after being drafted in the sixth round. He had two catches for 15 yards.

The Rams released him at the end of training camp this year. Onobun signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad before being released in early October with an injury settlement.

“The biggest thing with me is the whole basketball transition thing, just finding somewhere I can stick, find a home and continue playing football,” Onobun told the Washington Post.

“Just want to get as many reps as I can in practice and really learn this game. As far as going from St. Louis to Seattle and Seattle to here, it’s been a crazy experience, but I’m just glad to have an opportunity to continue playing this game.”

Elsewhere …

Former Arizona offensive tackle Adam Grant, who has been on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad as a rookie free agent, talked to the Denver Post recently for a story about the team’s potential draft targets at quarterback, including UA senior Nick Foles.

“He comes to work at 6 o’clock every morning to watch film,” Grant said, describing Foles’ work ethic. (And, sometimes, Foles shows up at 3 a.m.)

Also from the Denver Post story, rookie safety Rahim Moore, from UCLA, had this to say about Foles: “He’s real challenging. Tall quarterback. He never telegraphs his throws. I believe he’s a first-round talent.”

Here is the updated list of ex-Cats in the NFL:

–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, Denver
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville

Injured reserve
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis

Practice squads
–Colin Baxter, C, San Diego
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Fendi Onobun, TE, Washington
–Nate Ness, CB, St. Louis

Colin Baxter was with the Chargers in the preseason but didn't survive the final cut. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The list of former Arizona Wildcats on active NFL rosters has dwindled to 10 after a couple of transactions this week.

Undrafted rookie Colin Baxter, who started two games earlier this season as an injury replacement for the New York Jets, was waived earlier this week and reportedly picked up for the San Diego Chargers practice squad.

Baxter went through preseason camp with the Chargers, but did not make the final cut. He seemed to be a good bet to join San Diego’s practice squad at the time, but the Jets needed help on the line and picked up Baxter.

According to ESPNNewYork.com, Baxter had an offer to join the Jets’ practice squad this week but opted to return to the Chargers.

In other news involving ex-Cats, fullback Chris Gronkowski was placed on injured reserve by the Indianapolis Colts, ending his season. He played mostly on special teams in seven games for the Colts before suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Also recently, running back Nic Grigsby was cut from the practice squads of the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. Cornerback Nate Ness was cut from the Washington Redskins practice squad and signed to the practice squad of the St. Louis Rams.

Here is the updated list of ex-Cats in the NFL:

–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, Denver
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville

Injured reserve
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis

Practice squads
–Colin Baxter, C, San Diego Chargers
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Nate Ness, CB, St. Louis

Carter Lees, seen here in spring practice, might be in the starting lineup Saturday. Photo by Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic

Arizona, which has started three different combinations at guard through five games, might be looking at yet another one Saturday at Oregon State.

Junior Shane Zink, who has started two games at right guard and one at left guard as an injury replacement, is out, perhaps for the rest of the season, with a foot injury suffered last week at USC.

“It could be permanent for the year,” coach Mike Stoops said after Wednesday’s practice. “Not sure exactly what we’re doing there.”

Zink started at left guard last week for starter Chris Putton, who was out because of an ankle injury. Stoops said he was hopeful that Putton could get back to practice Thursday.

If Putton can’t go, then redshirt freshman Carter Lees would make his first start. He came in for Zink last week.

“He played amazing,” junior center Kyle Quinn said of Lees.

“I saw him coming in off the sideline, and I was like, ‘All right, Carter, time for you to step up,’ and he did. He came right in and did his job. He was talking and having a lot of fun.

“I told him after the game, ‘You did your job; now keep getting better and learn from it.’ Just a great experience for him.”

Trace Biskin is slated to start at right guard.

Related: Adam Hall ‘very close’ to return from ACL injury

* * *

It’s easy to understand the attention focused on freshman running back Ka’Deem Carey. He’s a local kid with a bright future who is adjusting nicely to college competition, with an increasing role each week. He scored three touchdowns at USC last Saturday.

But let’s not forget starter Keola Antolin. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Carey is averaging 4.1.

“I love Antolin,” Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker told the Portland Tribune. “I always liked him over (Nic) Grigsby. He’s a tough ass. I like tough guys, and he’s one of them.”

* * *

Speaking of Grigsby, he’s now an Oakland Raider.

Grigsby, an undrafted free agent, went through camp with the Miami Dolphins and then was signed to their practice squad after final cuts. He was released by the Dolphins early this week before latching onto the Raiders’ practice squad.

Former Arizona basketball player Fendi Onobun was released this week from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad with an injury settlement:

Here is the updated list of ex-Cats in the NFL:
–Colin Baxter, C, New York Jets
–Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago
–Eben Britton, OT, Jacksonville
–Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego
–Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
–Chris Gronkowski, FB, Indianapolis
–Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England
–Spencer Larsen, FB, Denver
–Earl Mitchell, DT, Houston
–Brooks Reed, LB, Houston
–D’Aundre Reed, DE, Minnesota
–Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville

Practice squads
–Lionel Dotson, DL, Buffalo
–Adam Grant, OT, Denver
–Nic Grigsby, RB, Oakland
–Nate Ness, CB, Washington

* * *

Arizona will see a lot of familiar names in a poll of 46 Heisman voters at StiffArmTrophy.com. The Wildcats have played against seven of the top 20 vote-getters. (Of course, perhaps it helped those guys that they got to play against the Cats’ defense.)

Arizona has unsuccessfully stopped No. 1 Andrew Luck, No. 9 LaMichael James, No. 10 Justin Blackmon, No. 13 Brandon Weeden, No. 17 Matt Barkley, No. 19 Darron Thomas, No. 20 Robert Woods.

* * *

Stoops is 2-5 against Oregon State in what has been a series of close games. Five of the seven games have been decided by a touchdown or less.

“It’s been a very tough rivalry,” Beavers coach Mike Riley said. “I have really appreciated these games with Arizona. They’ve all taken on different tones through the years I suppose, but all very hard fought.”