Cal Football: Several Injured Bears Players Expected Back for Washington State Game

It does not appear Cal will be getting quarterback Chase Garbers back for the Washington State game on Nov. 9, but several other players who missed the Utah game may be ready to go.

Offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin said Thursday that at least one receiver will be back and center Mihael Saffell is likely to return as well.

Saffell missed the past two games with an injury, and his absence has been noticeable, particularly in the run game. But Baldwin said Saffell “almost definitely” will be ready to go for the WSU game following this week’s bye.

“He brings a lot to the table,” Baldwin said of Saffell.

Over the past three games, Cal running backs have carried 55 times for 149 yards, an average of just 2.71 yards per attempt.

Three receivers who see playing time missed the Utah game – Kekoa Crawford, Jeremiah Hawkins and Ricky Walker III. All three were listed as “week-to-week” on the Cal injury list released Wednesday. However, Baldwin said at least one of them and possibly two should be back for Washington State. He did not specify which ones, however.

“I think we should see a healthier group at the receiver position,” Baldwin said.

Getting Crawford back would be a significant boost. He has missed four games but is still third on the team in receiving yardage and tied for first in touchdown receptions (two).

Quarterback Devon Modster was not on the injury list Cal distributed on Wednesday, so presumably he will be ready to play against Washington State. He is likely to start that game, although Cal has made no announcement regarding a starting quarterback for that game.