UW loses Fogerson for year

For the second straight year, Johri Fogerson’s season has come to an end prematurely. The senior tailback, who has battled injuries throughout his four-year career at Washington, suffered a season-ending injury in Saturday’s 31-23 win over California, coach Steve Sarkisian announced Wednesday following practice.

The injury occurred on Washington’s first series of the game. Fogerson took a helmet to his left knee while trying to catch a swing pass from Keith Price.

Initially, it was hoped that it was simply a severe bruise to a nerve on the outside of the knee. But a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test on Monday revealed a tear where the hamstring connects with the lower leg.

“I wish I could give it to you in doctor’s terms, Sarkisian said. “He’s going in for surgery Friday morning, and he’ll be out the remainder of the season. It’s somewhere around an eighth-month recovery.”

Because Fogerson is a fourth-year senior, the Huskies can petition for another year of eligibility for him.

When asked about the possibility, Sarkisian said, “I’m hopeful.”

The loss of Fogerson isn’t crippling to the UW backfield. Washington has Chris Polk at 100 percent healthy, and he does the bulk of the work. Fogerson was already battling a sore hip that limited his availability.

Second-string running back Jesse Callier suffered a hamstring injury against Nebraska that kept him out of the second half of that game. Callier played in the win over Cal, rushing three times for 14 yards and returning four kicks for 90 yards.

In practice Wednesday, Callier wore a red no-contact jersey and did not participate in team drills.

“We’re trying to get Jesse 100 percent healthy,” Sarkisian said. “He’s just not quite there yet. I want to make sure he feels good on Saturday.”

True freshman running back Bishop Sankey took extended repetitions at practice with the No. 1 and No. 2 offenses.

“I think Bishop is having an excellent week of work again,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian raved about Sankey’s week of practice before the Cal game and rewarded the young running back with a series against the Bears. Sankey responded by rushing twice for 19 yards, including a 16-yard burst.

“I was really proud of Bishop Sankey to get in the game and carry the ball the way he did today,” Sarkisian said after the game.

Sankey infamously dropped a kickoff return at Nebraska that helped open the floodgates in the 51-38 loss.

But Sankey’s confidence never wavered.

“It’s one play, it’s not going to define a player,” said offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. “Those things happen. It’s part of football. I think Bishop did a great job. He came right back. Our team picked him up. He’s reacted very well to it.”

WALK-ONS EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

Sarkisian said that six walk-on players have earned scholarships, including punter Kiel Rasp, starting fullback Jonathan Amosa and long-snapper Brendan Lopez.

“Some of them are relatively obvious with Rasp and Amosa and Lopez,” he said.

“But we were able to add some other guys in.”

Receiver/holder William Chandler, running back/special teams contributor Cole Sager and tight end Evan Hudson were also given scholarships.

“All I think are very deserving and have earned it,” Sarkisian said.

INJURY UPDATE

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton injured his foot in practice. He tried to have it retaped and return, but it didn’t work and he spent the rest of practice with an ice pack on it.

“He kind of banged his foot I guess, so we are going to check it out,” Sarkisian said. “It’s pretty sore. He has done it before to his other foot he said. So we don’t’ feel as concerned about it. But anytime a big guy and his feet get involved, you definitely want to take all the proper precautions.”

Linebacker John Timu (neck) did not participate in practice, again wearing a red no-contact jersey. It seems unlikely that he will be ready for Saturday. Safety Taz Stevenson (knee) did not dress out again.

Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483 ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports/