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ASU Football notebook: Vasquez hurts ankle, but likely to play Saturday
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Defensive end Luis Vasquez tweaked his right ankle and was held out the majority of practice Wednesday but should be available for Saturday’s game against San Diego State, Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said.
San Diego State has fallen on hard times
It was the same ankle Vasquez sprained at Camp Tontozona. He was supposed to be out for three to four weeks but returned early.
“He tweaked that same injury he had,” Erickson said. “It’s pretty much precautionary. I’d be surprised if he’s not ready to go (Saturday).”
Vasquez has four tackles in two games this season, one for a loss.
Erickson said the opponent’s caliber has no bearing on if players suit up or not.
“A game’s a game. We’ve got to win the game,” Erickson said. “That’s the biggest thing.”
TORAIN MOVING FORWARD
Running back Ryan Torain (knee, ankle) did more work in practice Wednesday and will be a game-time decision for San Diego State.
“You never know — Thursday, Friday and all day Saturday — what can get done on those injuries,” Erickson said. “We’ll just wait and see how he is. He may do a little more (today) and see where he’s at Friday. We’ll make that decision then.”
Torain had a sore right knee after the San Jose State contest and then twisted his ankle early against Colorado. He did return to the game and ended up with 17 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown.
The other tailbacks — Keegan Herring, Dimitri Nance and Jarrell Woods — have each battled injuries recently but can fill in if Torain cannot play.
COMEBACK KIDS
Kyle Williams’ first career touchdown reception was of the highlight reel variety, but it was just as important in giving the Sun Devils some breathing room at the half of last Saturday’s game vs. Colorado.
He said the fact they were in the lead at that point — after a 14-0 first-quarter deficit — says a lot about the team.
“We’ve got a lot of fight,” Williams said. “We’re going to have that no-quit attitude, and that’s a lot different from last year. We fight adversity a little bit more and don’t go down in the dumps when it’s 14-0 like that.”
EXTRA POINT
Tight end Brent Miller (knee) took part in some of practice and had on an orange noncontact jersey. Wide receiver Brandon Smith (ankle) was in street clothes.
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