Husky running back James still bothered by sprained ankle
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, October 25, 2006
SEATTLE – Whether Washington senior running back Kenny James plays Saturday against Arizona State still is in question.
Results of James’ MRI on his sprained ankle were negative, but head coach Tyrone Willingham said he still not sure of James’ status. James has not been practicing.
“He will be day-by-day in terms of getting a better handle on what he will do or won’t do this weekend,” Willingham said. “He’s committed to trying to play this weekend, but we’ll see what he’s capable of doing.”
If James is out, Louis Rankin would start and Shelton Sampson would be the backup.
No other player has been moved to tailback. Sophomore Luke Kravitz has seen limited time at tailback, Willingham said. Kravitz has played both tailback and fullback this season.
Other injury news: Besides James, the most notable injured player is starting strong safety C.J. Wallace, who has been limited in practice by “a battery of things,” meaning mostly bumps and bruises, Willingham said. Quarterback Carl Bonnell’s left shoulder sprain is fine, according to Willingham.
Houston’s status: Willingham did not elaborate much on the status of suspended running back Michael Houston. Houston was suspended indefinitely Tuesday following an arrest early Sunday morning on suspicion of auto theft.
Willingham said he has no set procedure to deal with situations like this, saying that everything is handled on a case-by-case basis. But he said one thing dictates most of his rulings.
“I’ve always said the law of our university, the laws of our municipality, the laws of our state and our country govern everything that takes place,” Willingham said.
That said, Willingham noted it’s possible that if Houston is found innocent of the charges, he still may not be back with the team.
“You still look at how that involvement affects your football team,” Willingham said.
Goldson impressing: Washington defensive coordinator Kent Baer said he’s been impressed with the play of cornerback Dashon Goldson, especially in big games.
“He’s played excellent,” Baer said. “He’s played well in some big games. For as much time as he missed through the entire fall camp, really didn’t practice at all through the Oklahoma game and practiced sparingly since, the best two games he’s had is against USC and Cal.”
Goldson has battled a high ankle sprain this year that has kept him limited at practice. He did not practice on Tuesday. But in the two games against the Trojans and Bears, he’s combined for 16 tackles and five passes broken up. Despite being slowed early on, Goldson is tied for second in the Pac-10 in passes broken up with eight.
