UCLA Football Faces Player Absences for Big Ten Opener
This Saturday, UCLA’s football team will be missing a couple of part-time starters as they prepare for their Big Ten opening game at the Rose Bowl.
Both wide receiver Mikey Matthews and safety Tao Johnson, who each started a game earlier this season, have been ruled out for the matchup against Purdue, according to the first Big Ten availability report of the season.
Other players absent for the game include backup offensive tackle Mack Indestad, backup wide receiver Jonah Smith, backup center Sam Yoon, and reserve defensive backs Joshua Dixon and Jamier Johnson.
Additionally, tight end Josh Phifer is listed as doubtful for the game.
Wide receiver Aidan Mizell, linebacker Ryan McCulloch, and defensive back Jhase McMillan are deemed questionable for participation.
Matthews has recorded four receptions for 88 yards this season but suffered a left leg injury during last weekend’s game against San Diego State. Mizell also experienced an injury during his season debut against the Aztecs.
Johnson sustained his injury in the opener against Cal, paving the way for backup Ta’Shawn James, who has since made two interceptions and moved up to the starting role against San Diego State.
Indestad’s injury occurred in the recent game against San Diego State, while Yoon, who previously held a starting position, has been sidelined with a foot injury that requires him to use a scooter for mobility.
Purdue, on the other hand, will also be without defensive backs Mister Clark and Raderrion Daniels, along with tight end Kylan Fox. Clark had a solid performance in the Boilermakers’ season opener against Indiana State, but missed their recent double-overtime match against Wake Forest.
This marks the first of four weekly availability reports mandated during Big Ten play as per new conference guidelines.
Teams are required to submit these reports three, two, and one day prior to each game, as well as a final report two hours before kickoff. In the weekly reports, players can be classified as probable, questionable, doubtful, out, or out for the first half, while the gameday report allows for classifications such as game-time decision or out for the first half. Players not mentioned are assumed to be available.
Visiting teams must declare the availability of players who are on the travel squad or typically play across offense, defense, or special teams.
