Receiver Mossi Johnson out for season after training injury

When Arizona State stunned UCLA two weeks ago in the Bruins’ first loss of the season, coach Jim Mora pointed to injuries as a factor in the defeat.

“The fact that you have lost three quality starters, three of the top players in the country, that is going to hurt you,” Mora said Oct. 3.

The loss of cornerstone players junior defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes, senior defensive back Fabian Moreau and junior linebacker Myles Jack had already stretched the Bruin reserves in an attempt to fill the holes.

Last week, that injury list got even longer.

Mora announced Sunday that sophomore receiver Mossi Johnson is now out for the season with ACL, MCL and PCL injuries, joining the ranks of teammates who have suffered season-ending injuries.

Johnson blew out his knee during one-on-ones in practice last week, Mora said.The sophomore is expected to undergo surgery in the next two weeks.

“Injuries are part of this game, unfortunately. Your first thought is for the young man that gets hurt. They’ve worked so hard to get where they are,” Mora said. “Four of those guys are lost for the season. They had great offseasons (and) they were on track for really great years. You hate to see that.”

In its upset loss against Arizona State, UCLA also missed junior linebacker Jayon Brown, who had been filling in for Jack before going out with a back injury, and freshman running back Bolu Olorunfunmi, who suffered shoulder injury.

Both players have been participating in practice, though their availability for Thursday’s game against Stanford has not been stated.

Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports senior staff.