Washington football injury report for Friday road trip to Purdue

Washington faces a significant injury report as they prepare for their Friday night matchup against Purdue in pursuit of their first Big Ten win. The Huskies are battling a team-wide flu bug, which may account for the numerous player absences. Here are the confirmed injuries ahead of kickoff:

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. remains uncertain for the game. His availability as a reserve depends on how he feels during pre-game warm-ups, according to an ESPN source. Williams suffered a rib injury in the second quarter against Iowa and did not return to action, undergoing imaging to assess the extent of his injury. Head coach Jedd Fisch did not name Williams or Elijah Brown as the starting quarterback on Monday, suggesting a slim chance for Williams' return.

Elijah Brown, who threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns in the second half against Stanford last week, will make his first start for Washington.

Running back Jordan Washington is out for the season due to a neck injury sustained in spring practice. Washington coach Jedd Fisch had previously expressed cautious optimism about Washington's potential return, but recent scans indicated he was not ready for the season. Wide receiver Christian Moss is also out for the year after suffering a quad injury on the opening play of the season. The Huskies may seek a medical waiver to allow Moss to return, but Fisch has previously indicated a reluctance to grant such waivers.

Linebacker Xe ree Alexander suffered a high ankle sprain last week against Iowa and is expected to miss a substantial amount of time, potentially returning for a game against Indiana on November 21 if his recovery follows the longest timeline. Running back Jayden Limar will undergo re-evaluation on November 1 after sustaining an elbow injury against Washington State.

Despite limited playing time, Limar remains the fourth-leading rusher on the team with 50 yards on 12 carries. Limar could return to the roster next season without needing a waiver, thanks to a recent NCAA rule change permitting five seasons of eligibility. Defensive tackle Kai McClendon is also among the injured, potentially affected by the flu.

McClendon had been rehabbing a torn ACL and was previously listed as out until late in fall practice. Quarterbacks DeSean Watts and Omar Khan will also be considered in the rotation.

Running back Quaid Carr is out for the season due to a hand injury suffered against Washington State. Washington coach Fisch recently changed his comments, suggesting Carr will be out for the entire season. Carr had earned lead-back duties in the offseason and had taken five carries for 28 yards before being sidelined. Running back Ansu Sanoe is also out for the season, potentially suffering from the flu.

This leaves Washington with only three healthy scholarship running backs: first-year Brian Bonner Jr., sixth-year Trey Cooley, and second-year D Aryhian Clemons. Tight end/fullback Kade Eldridge and walk-on Ryken Moon will compete for playing time, both ahead of Clemons on the depth chart. Sanoe, who has two touchdowns this season, may be among the group battling the flu.

Guards Jack Shaffer and CJ Christian are also out for the season, with Shaffer potentially affected by the flu as well. Shaffer played his final six offensive snaps of the game against Eastern Washington. Safety CJ Christian tore his Achilles tendon during spring practice and is out for the season, with Fisch expressing little optimism about a medical waiver for the seventh-year safety.

Wide receiver Jordan Clay is active and may have been among the players dealing with the flu. Running back Quaid Carr's absence could impact the team's offensive strategy, particularly in the backfield.