Injury Report: Fewer names, but hit up front

THE COUGS DIDN'T take as big an injury hit from the Stanford game as they did against Baylor the week before. But as they head into the Southern Cal practice week Tuesday, the most significant new name on the injury list was at a position Washington State can least afford more attrition -- the offensive line.

Center Josh Duin is improving but still appears very doubtful for USC after suffering an MCL sprain, an injury that is usually characterized by 2-4 weeks on the sideline.

If Duin can't play, Kenny Alfred will probably get the start at center. 'Probably', because offensive line coach George Yarno has been like a mad scientist this season, tinkering with various combinations up front over the course of the first four games.

Sean O'Connor figures to man one of the tackle or guard spots on the left hand side, with Derek Hunter or Dan Rowlands, or a combination of the two, taking the other. Andy Roof looks to be the starting right guard with Charles Harris at right tackle.

Excepting Harris, who appears fairly well entrenched at right tackle, the players listed above may -- and probably will -- take snaps at various positions across the line.

Tight end Cody Boyd, who caught five passes against Stanford but left the game with an apparent injury, looks to be fine and scheduled to practice without restriction Tuesday.


The Medical Report from Washington State Sports Information, release Monday evening:

Out Indefinitely - Chris Baltzer (9/20 knee ACL), Bobby Byrd (9/16 knee MCL sprain), Joe Eppele (9/7 shoulder surgery), Chris Jordan (left knee surgery), Matt Mullennix (left ACL surgery), Cutter Rains (toe fracture), Jason Stripling (shoulder surgery recovery)
No Practice – Josh Duin (9/23 knee MCL), Scott Friberg (8/22 hip/knee sprain), Bob Hilgert (neck stinger), Grady Maxwell (8/11 knee surgery)
Limited – Markus Dawes (9/2 high ankle sprain), Ansley Jean-Jacques (9/9 thumb surgery), Jesse Taylor (9/16 knee MCL sprain)