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Coach Paul Wulff, who earlier this week said Tuel had a “50-50 chance” of playing against the seventh-ranked Ducks, said Thursday his “tune changed a little bit” after talking with Tuel the last two days.
“I’m hopeful that he can return (this season), but … I really don’t know,” Wulff said. “He’s really sore.”
Tuel, an honorable mention all-league pick last season, missed the second half of last Saturday’s 44-21 loss to Oregon State after re-injuring his left clavicle. The junior missed four games after breaking the clavicle during a brief appearance in WSU’s season opener.
It was later revealed that Tuel injured his calf earlier in the OSU game. That injury led to the onset of acute compartment syndrome, a blood-flow issue that can permanently damage a muscle or even lead to amputation or death.
Wulff said Tuel was treated soon enough to eliminate the need for surgery. James Montgomery, a former WSU running back, suffered a more serious case of acute compartment syndrome two years ago and required surgery.
Senior Marshall Lobbestael, who started at quarterback the first five games, is set to start the game at Oregon (noon, Root Sports).
Wulff said “it doesn’t look positive” for Tuel to qualify for a medical redshirt year. The Oregon State game marked the start of the second half of the season for the Cougars (3-4), and Wulff said the NCAA rarely grants a medical redshirt to athletes who play in the second half of the season.
Wulff said Tuel “might have a better chance” of retaining two years of eligibility if the NCAA passes a proposed rule change that would eliminate redshirting and permit athletes to compete for five years in a five-year period.
EXTRA POINTS
Wulff is optimistic that senior offensive lineman Wade Jacobson will gain a medical redshirt year. Jacobson, who has been sidelined with back problems since he started the first four games, underwent season-ending surgery on Thursday. Wulff said doctors expect Jacobson to be ready for next season. … Defensive tackle Toni Pole suffered a pinched nerve in his neck during Wednesday’s practice. Wulff said Pole is questionable for Saturday’s game.
