Hospitalized Teammate Is on Mind of Huskies

Washington played with a heavy heart in its 35-32 victory over Arizona on Saturday. In the Huskies’ previous game against Stanford, Washington safety Curtis Williams suffered a spinal cord injury. He remains hospitalized at Stanford Medical Center, as yet unable to move or speak, Washington Coach Rick Neuheisel said.

The Washington players wore patches with Williams’ initials on their uniforms, and both the Huskies and Wildcats stood attentively during a pregame ceremony in which the Washington band spelled out “CW” and the crowd yelled Williams’ nickname, “C-DUB.”

Neuheisel was amazed that his players could then concentrate on a football game.

“To ask them to go out and do the same stuff that hurt their friend, that was very difficult and very emotional,” Neuheisel said. “I’m thankful we have kids with that kind of ability.”

Williams has regained some sensation in his fingertips and upper body and can respond by moving his eyes, but doctors told Neuheisel it is “way too early” to offer a prognosis.

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UCLA tailback DeShaun Foster is wearing a protective boot around his right foot and is not expected to practice much this week because of a badly swollen toe. Foster, who rushed for 159 yards in Saturday’s 37-35 victory over Stanford, is expected to play against Washington.

Anthony Fletcher, hampered by injuries to his back, ankle and knee, will not play Saturday, Coach Bob Toledo said. Three other defensive linemen--Ken Kocher (knee), Sean Phillips (ankle) and Rusty Williams (shoulder, foot)--are questionable. Defensive end Kenyon Coleman still is unable to run, seven weeks after knee surgery. Coleman, considered the Bruins’ top defensive player, is expected to redshirt and return for another senior season.

Defensive back Jason Stephens (hamstring) will not play, and defensive back Jason Bell (foot), tailback Jermaine Lewis (hamstring) and receiver Jon Dubravac (concussion against Arizona 10 days ago) are questionable.

Backup quarterback Ryan McCann said he would undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is expected to be ready for spring practice. Scott McEwan, who has not played since he threw 10 passes against Fresno State on Sept. 9, now backs up quarterback Cory Paus.