After several key players had to leave the game in Washington's loss to Wisconsin last week, the injury report for the Huskies was something to monitor going into today's contest versus Purdue. Unfortunately, it was just announced that several key players will be held out, as Washington looks to avoid another upset defeat.
Denzel Boston - Out
The Huskies' star wide receiver Denzel Boston will miss his first game of the season with what is listed as a lower-body injury. Boston briefly left the Wisconsin game in pain after injuring himself on a punt return, although returned to play later, still looking hampered. The freshman duo of Dezmen Roebuck and Raiden Vines-Bright should see more targets in his absense, with senior Omari Evans needing to step up as well.
Landen Hatchett and Drew Azzopardi - Out
Starting center Landen Hatchett (hand) and starting right tackle Drew Azzopardi (lower body) will also be out against the Boilermakers. The Huskies offensive line is formidable at full strength, but has been inconsistent in reaching that with John Mills and Carver Willis also struggling with injuries previously.
Redshirt sophomore Zach Henning will fill in at center, and Mills will likely slide over to right tackle with Paki Finau coming in at left guard to solve Azzopardi's absence. Both have regularly seen action so far this season.
Jonah Coleman - Probable
Jonah Coleman was the other Huskies star, along with Boston, that came out of the game with injury against Wisconsin. Coleman never returned, but luckily will be available to play in this game despite dealing with a knee injury. That provides more clarity on the concerns about the running back room heading into this game, but still watch out for if Coleman is at 100% or not. Expect Adam Mohammed to see a higher snap share.
Jordan Washington - Probable
Jordan Washington, the Huskies' third-string running back, is probable to return to action after missing the last two games with an unspecified injury, reported to be an illness. Washington is more of a speed back that gets used sparingly as a gadget player, but his availability is a great sign with Coleman fighting through his own injury.
Other notes:
- Still no updates on the status for defensive linemen Isaiah Ward and Jayvon Parker, who both missed last game with injuries. Neither are starters, but both are rotational pieces that can help out a struggling UW D-line.
- Safety CJ Christian, a transfer from FIU who's been injured since the season opener, is listed as questionable despite previously being listed as out for the season last week.
The following Huskies remain out for the season:
- WR Rashid Williams
- LB Taariq Al-Uqdah
- S Rahim Wright
- S Dyson McCutcheon
- TE Kade Eldridge
- TE Charlie Crowell
- DL Russell Davis II