Mora, Bruin Report Online deliver conflicting reports on Rosen’s status
Sophomore Josh Rosen was reported to be out for the season with nerve damage. The quarterback has missed two games since leaving the game against Arizona State in early October.(Jintak Han/Assistant Photo editor)
By TuAnh Dam
Nov. 1, 2016 12:11 p.m.
Quarterback Josh Rosen was reported to be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a “severe shoulder sprain that resulted in nerve damage” according to Bruin Report Online.
But in a conference call Tuesday afternoon, coach Jim Mora said Rosen was not ruled out and clarified on the sophomore’s injury.
Mora said previous reports of nerve damage were incorrect despite previously saying Monday that Rosen’s return would hinge on the nerve firing again and that there was no definite timetable for his return.
The sophomore left the game in the fourth quarter against Arizona State after being sacked multiple times and injuring his shoulder.
Rosen threw a couple practice throws on the sideline, but grimaced and clutched his arm after each throw and was unable to return in the 23-20 loss.
Redshirt senior Mike Fafaul stepped in for Rosen against the Sun Devils and started the last two games against Washington State and Utah, setting school records in pass attempts and completions in a 52-45 loss to the Utes.
UCLA (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12) has four games left in conference play, starting Thursday night in Boulder against Pac-12 South leader Colorado.
Rosen appeared unlikely to return against the Buffs, throwing gingerly during practices over the weekend.
According to Bruin Report Online, there is little barometer to judge whether Rosen has regained normal nerve activity. With previous quarterbacks, recovery time has spanned from weeks to months.
Without Rosen, Fafaul will likely earn the starting nod.
