Redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong carries the ball after an interception from Taylor Kelly for a first down during the game against Utah on Nov. 1, 2014. ASU defeated Utah 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Andrew Ybanez)Redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong spent Tuesday’s practice on the sidelines, sporting a green, non-contact jersey after sustaining a minor concussion in Saturday’s loss at Oregon State.
Strong was tended to by the ASU training staff on two separate occasions Saturday night in the fourth quarter, and although he managed to walk off under his own power both times, Strong had his helmet taken from him and did not return for the final Sun Devil offensive series.
ASU coach Todd Graham said Tuesday that his star receiver sustained a concussion against Oregon State and hasn't passed the protocol to clear him for action.
“(We’re) just obviously being very cautious, he has improved dramatically, he has been doing very well. I should know more tomorrow, but I would say 50-50,” Graham said. “Obviously he wants to play but he has to be able to go through the protocol so … we will see.”
Strong was one of many Sun Devils that were banged up in the cold conditions of last Saturday’s game. While most of them are expected to return for this weekend, the extra reps in practice open up windows of opportunity for some of the Sun Devils lesser-known players.
Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell noted the performances of redshirt freshman wide receiver Ellis Jefferson and redshirt junior wide receiver Gary Chambers, mainly on their ability to step up in big games.
“Depending on what Jaelen’s status is, everybody has to step up and pull a bigger load,” Norvell said. “(Jefferson) has made a lot of great plays for us this year, he is a guy that has stood out … Cam Smith’s role continues to grow … (he) is a guy that has done a lot of great things and has grown to be a primary target for us.”
The once potent offense of ASU hinged mainly on junior running back D.J. Foster in the loss to Oregon State, and when the final whistle blew, Strong and Smith were the only two wide receivers amongst a group of six players who caught a pass from Kelly in the game (which included two running backs and two tight ends).
The Sun Devils' plan to exercise caution with Strong throughout the week, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that he sees little-to-no reps in practice, yet still trots out to the field come Saturday for the first offensive series.
Regardless of Strong’s status for the upcoming game, the Sun Devils offense will have to prepare for an attack-first defense in Washington State that coach Norvell expects to pressure Kelly and the offense from the first snap onward.
Washington State, whose last game was also versus Oregon State, sacked the Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion four times for a total loss of 38 yards. This added to the Cougars 8-game streak with at least one sack, and was their 10th sack in just four games.
Additional Notes:
— Graham speculated that a return from junior defensive tackle Jaxon Hood is doubtful for the remainder of the season. Hood was absent again, missing practice and the previous two games for personal issues.
Reach the reporter at csafran@asu.edu and follow him on Twitter @ChrisSafran
