Kalen DeBoer updates status of Jalen McMillan, Tuli Letuligasenoa after Arizona win
Kalen DeBoer wasn’t initially concerned about the injury Washington defensive tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa sustained Saturday night against the Arizona Wildcats.
Letuligasenoa exited the game in the first half with a lower-body injury and did not return.
“It’s a good time with the bye week to get him back,” DeBoer said after the game. “I don’t think it’s anything serious, but he obviously couldn’t play in the second half.”
The Huskies were also without safety Asa Turner for a third consecutive game and wideout Jalen McMillan for a second consecutive game. McMillan’s absence was notable considering indications from DeBoer immediately after the injury and then leading up this game were that he wouldn’t be forced to miss much time.
McMillan exited the Michigan State game at the end of the first half, the thought was that his absence was just precautionary given the game had already become a blowout.
But now it has been two weeks since the Huskies have had their NFL-caliber receiver.
With UW moving into a bye week, DeBoer said that may have impacted the decision to hold out McMillan.
“Maybe a little bit. It was not in the best interest for him to play. He was not where he needed to be, being able to practice,” DeBoer said. “He’s been pushing hard. He’s had his pads on, helmet on, out there working every single day.
“He was getting really close, maybe another day or two, with how he was coming along, he might have been able to get out there and help us. But just didn’t feel like he had that extra oomph that we needed, or that he felt he needed as well.”
Star wideout Rome Odunze also took a shot on the late onside kick attempt from Arizona. DeBoer said he was OK.