Washington Football team Coach Petersen chants next man up mantra

As the season advances, the Washington Football team injury list continues to grown. Here is the complete breakdown on all Coach Petersen shared today

Another game, more injuries. That is the way it goes down in NCAA football, particularly in the hard hitting Pac-12. And so, the Washington Football team limps into their bye week no longer undefeated.  In fact, the team is no longer as confident as they were just a week ago.

Two playmakers went down against Arizona State University. And neither will return to help their teammates this season.

Once again, now comes the scramble to slot new faces in the void. The next man up is working overtime now.  Who will rise to the challenge? The debate is already underway.

No no no, we can’t do it piecemeal. Let’s get back to the known injury status of some weeks ago. Then, we’ll get the coaching staff take on who steps up:

Injury Report

Per Jude’s report earlier in the season, the Huskies injury report looked like this (amended with new information):

           Player                     Position                Injury                     Estimated To Return

• Bryon Murphy        Cornerback          Broken Foot        6-8 weeks
• David Ajamu          Tight End              Ankle                     Out for season
• Andre Baccellia     Wide Receiver    Concussion          TBD
• Chico McClatcher  Wide Receiver    Ankle                     Out for season
• D.J. Beavers            Linebacker           Achilles Tendon  TBD
• Drew Sample        Tight End              Injured Leg          returned for ASU game
• Jordan Miller         Cornerback           Ankle                     Out for season
• Trey Adams          Offensive Tackle   Right knee           Out for season

And then add in Coach Petersen’s Monday press conference

Who is the next man up now?

Next man up? Andrew Kirkland and Jomon Dotson

Left tackle responsibility will likely fall upon Andrew Kirkland. Referred to as “fireman” by Coach Petersen, the 6-foot-5 290 pound behemoth has had plenty of looks at left tackle. He has played at all positions save center. Coach Petersen also mentioned 6-foot-4 265 pound offensive tackle Luke Wattenberg as getting some reps (repetitions) at left tackle as well.

As for the fallen CB Jordan Miller. The first player mentioned by Coach Petersen was 5-foot-10 181 pound junior defensive back Jomon Dotson.  You may recall Dotson intercepted a pass against the Montana Grizzlies and returned it for a 68 yard touchdown. Let’s hope there is more where that came from.

Silver lining

The good news is that the team does have experienced players to fill the new vacancies. And formerly injured tight end Drew Sample is back and will likely work into the offense.  Even cornerback Byron Murphy, still injured, may return by the time the team faces Stanford University on the road.

But for now, the team must heal and regroup. Coaches must throw out old assumptions and be willing to look at themselves in the mirror honestly.

Next: Washington Football the morning after

Fix the time of possession deficiency. Fix the kicking game. Tighten up the red-zone defense.  The Washington Huskies could try a two-back two or three tight-end set to harness their strengths right now. In fact, the Washington Football team can try plenty of new things.  But they cannot simply suit up again and hope to defeat the UCLA Bruins.

Injured and human now, this team must change their strategy. Or the outcomes from now one will remain the same.