University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said it would take a "minor miracle" for sophomore RB Mike Ford to play Saturday at UCF.
Last week against Tennessee Martin, Ford had 61 yards rushing and two TDs before suffering an ankle injury.
"Ford doesn't look good," Leavitt said. "I never want to say no he won't play and then all of a sudden he plays and everyone is mad at me."
While Ford is questionable, Leavitt said RB Ben Williams (ankle) "looked good" Thursday. Williams should play Saturday, but if he is not 100 percent, Moise Plancher, who started the 2006 opener only to suffer a torn ACL on the first series, could get the start.
TE Trent Pupello (Jefferson), who suffered an ankle injury against UT Martin and was on crutches a couple of days ago, practiced Thursday and will play Saturday.
"His mentality is strong," Leavitt said. "He did some things today. I like his mind-set. I knew you weren't going to keep Trent away from this game."
However, freshman LaDre Watkins (Wharton) suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice and could be lost for the season.
Watkins, who is on several special teams units, suffered an apparent torn ACL and is definitely out Saturday.
"His knee buckled," said Leavitt, who said he didn't know the extent of the injury because he hadn't spoken to assistant AD Steve Walz.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement