Darrell Catchings coaches up Markus Wheaton.
There’s big injury news out of Monday’s Oregon State football practice. Starting WR Darrell Catchings has a fractured bone in his wrist, he said.
Early projections have him out at least four weeks. That will keep him out of two games. Read more about this in Tuesday’s GT.
The story is up online early. Check it out here. Also, vote on the GT’s latest online poll on who you think should be the starting SE with Catchings out. Click the Beavers Sports site here.
“If that’s all it is and he’s going full speed by then, then it’s OK,” coach Mike Riley said. “There’s a lot of football left.”
True freshman Markus Wheaton took Catchings’ place as the first-team split end. Damola Adeniji stays on the second team, and replaces Wheaton as No. 2 flanker behind James Rodgers.
“I’m impressed with both of them,” Riley said of Adeniji and Wheaton. “Dom steps it up with every session. He’s more and more comfortable. And Markus Wheaton is talented. It’s not hard for anyone to see that.
Markus Wheaton is ready for action.
Other injuries
DT Brennan Olander (knee) went down near the end of Monday morning’s practice. He’ll need further evaluation to determine the severity.
MLB David Pa’aluhi (head) missed his second practice. TE Howard Croom (head) sat out after butting heads with LB Dwight Roberson Saturday. S Lance Mitchell (hamstring) remains out.
“I think our practice speed is awesome, but my goal is to get all the guys to the season healthy,” Riley said. “And I’m already failing.”
Roster update
WR Kyle Brown won’t be back with the Beavers due to his various injuries over his career. Senior WR Taylor Kavanaugh was awarded his scholarship.
“We are proud to do that,” Riley said. “It’s obviously well-deserved.”
Video report
The below video is a quick look at what QB Lyle Moevao is doing to build strength in his throwing shoulder, after offseason surgery.
10 comments
NAgobeavs says:
Aug 17, 2009
Looks like the video isn't working Cliff.
ckirkpatrick says:
Aug 17, 2009
It just took Youtube a while to load up. It's on now.
seattlegregg says:
Aug 17, 2009
So Bishop, Walker, and Munoz are not getting a look at Split End? I love the fact that Wheaton is turning heads, but still a big believer in redshirting. Let's not burn a whole season of development when we have such depth at the position.
ckirkpatrick says:
Aug 17, 2009
Bishop moved to slot receiver. I asked Riley today about Bishop moving back to SE, but Riley likes Bishop's size on the inside. Munoz is the No. 3 SE at the moment. Walker has been working at flanker.
seattlegregg says:
Aug 17, 2009
So basically, Riley is saying that Wheaton had already passed Walker as the #2 Flanker, and would be considered instantly ahead of Munoz for Split End, despite not playing there yet.
And apparently ahead so much that they are ready to consider burning his redshirt for perhaps only the first two games, assuming Catchings is back for the Cincinnati game?
Coaching staff knows more than me, but man, this is the exact opposite logic that they are applying to Philipp (or Quizz from last year) – either plan on starting all season, or else redshirt.
ckirkpatrick says:
Aug 17, 2009
Wheaton really impressed them, yes. He's also working as a kick and punt returner. He'll be just like Sammie Stroughter. Returning and backing up as a receiver after Catchings comes back.
angrybeaver says:
Aug 17, 2009
Why assume he'd only play 2 games? Maybe he's better than Catchings (guy only had 8 catches last year, after all) and it's a wally pipp moment.
seattlegregg says:
Aug 18, 2009
If he plays in games 1 & 2, he will obviously play some in other games – just doubting that he'd start – which is what I would expect if you are going to burn a redshirt.
Would love for Wheaton to prove that he the Lou Gehrig of wide receivers (and returners) – but I still have high hopes for Catchings (Spring Football Kool-Aide?) – who was dealing with un-diagnosed diabetes last year.
angrybeaver says:
Aug 18, 2009
There's talk about using him to return kicks and punts, so even if Catchings starts, Wheaton can be a returner and backup. Would be nice to see the Beavs with some 4 WR sets as well since it's a strength of the team this year.
http://angrybeavers.wordpress.com
BeaverProj says:
Aug 18, 2009
Seems like Riley knows that speed is a huge factor in the Pac-10. Plus, the best way to develop as a player is to get real game time experience.