The UCLA Bruins are just one win away from clinching a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game and need a victory against Stanford in order to solidify their spot in Pasadena. The Bruins may be will be without key wide receiver Thomas Duarte for this weekend’s match up. Duarte injured his left leg during practice Tuesday and his status for Friday remains in question. There are no specific details regarding the severity of the issue or how exactly it occurred, but expect more news to break as the week progresses.
“He is so important to us,” UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said to The Los Angeles Times. “He has excellent ball skills, and that’s big for us. He is an inside guy that causes matchup problems.”
Duarte, the team’s second leading receiver, has hauled in 23 passes for 458 yards and three touchdowns. There are two possible replacements for the Duarte in either Tyler Scott or Mossi Johnson. Still, neither player will be able to fill the void left by the sophomore receiver. The Bruins’ offense has been strong all season and should be able to compensate for the loss of Duarte with a heavier dose of the running game with the strong passing attack sprinkled in.
On the other sideline, Stanford has been hit by injury bug as well after news broke that star wide out Ty Montgomery will not play after injuring his shoulder last weekend. Montgomery is the biggest offensive threat for the Cardinal and will be sorely missed. Nonetheless, the game should be highly contested and a key part of both of their seasons.
*Section Photo credit to Harry How, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today Sports.
