The Arizona Wildcats’ defense took some hits last week, but it appears three key defenders will have a good chance of playing against Washington State.
Defensive tackle Dereck Boles (neck), DE-LB Kylan Wilborn (ankle) and linebacker Tony Fields II (concussion) are listed as probable for Saturday’s homecoming game at Arizona Stadium (6:30 p.m., Pac-12 Networks). That means all three are more likely to play than not.
Boles, Fields and Wilborn left in the second half or overtime of last week’s game at Cal and did not return. Boles leads Arizona’s interior defensive linemen with 22 tackles. Wilborn leads the team in tackles for losses (seven) and sacks (five). Fields ranks second on the team in tackles (47) and sacks (three).
Safety Scottie Young Jr. remains out because of a knee injury. Fellow freshman Troy Young replaced him last week but was disqualified on the first play of the second defensive series because of a targeting foul. He should be back in the lineup this week but could share time with Jarrius Wallace at the “Bandit” position.
The news isn’t as favorable on the other side of the ball.
Tight end Trevor Wood is out because of a concussion. Wood has only one reception this season but is a critical blocker in Arizona’s prolific running attack.
Freshman Bryce Wolma should start in place of Wood. When the Wildcats use two tight ends, the options include Jamie Nunley and converted defensive end Jack Banda.
Wood also had been handling short snaps. Those duties likely will fall to starting center Nathan Eldridge.
Tailback Nick Wilson is listed as questionable because of an ankle injury. Wilson missed a game earlier this season and most of the Cal game because of ankle issues.
Look for J.J. Taylor and Zach Green to split time if Wilson can’t go. Taylor was on his way to a breakout game last week before being ejected for targeting. Green had a career-high 130 yards in their absence.
Mostly positive Arizona injury report for Wazzu homecoming game: pic.twitter.com/eWFvTX9JFA
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) October 26, 2017
