Two key Arizona Wildcats defensive starters out vs. Washington

The Arizona Wildcats’ bad luck on the injury front from last year has carried over into the early portion of 2016.

Two key defensive starters – linebacker DeAndre’ Miller and nose tackle Parker Zellers – will miss Arizona’s game against No. 9 Washington on Saturday (7:30 p.m., Pac-12 Networks).

Miller (ankle) and Zellers (knee) both got hurt during the Hawaii game last week. Miller and Zellers are tied for the team lead with two sacks apiece. Miller leads the Wildcats with four total tackles for losses. Zellers has a team-high two forced fumbles.

Redshirt junior John Kenny, the transfer from Iowa, is listed as Miller’s backup at the “Stud” linebacker position. Senior Aiulua Fanene has rotated with Zellers at nose tackle.

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Quarterback Anu Solomon (knee) is listed as questionable for the third straight week. Solomon missed the past two games, and it seems more likely than not that Brandon Dawkins will start again against the Huskies.

Tailback Nick Wilson (ankle) also is listed as questionable. Wilson got hurt during the first series against Hawaii and did not return. Freshman J.J. Taylor rushed for 168 yards off the bench, but if Wilson can’t go, Arizona’s tailback depth is a cause for concern.

On the positive side, safety Tellas Jones (ankle) is listed as probable. Jones missed the past 2½ games after getting hurt in the second quarter of the opener against BYU. Jones is an active defender around the line of scrimmage, and his return could help offset the absence of Miller.

Right tackle Gerhard de Beer, who did not play last week, did not appear on the injury report. Nor did right guard Jacob Alsadak, who sat out the second half.