Several injured Arizona State football players set to return after week off

Arizona State football has been plagued by injuries, with 20 players missing a total of 59 games this season. Head coach Kenny Dillingham wishes he could put his players in a cryogenic chamber to heal. The team is mentally refreshed but struggling to find physically fit players for their upcoming game against Washington State.

Arizona State football has faced numerous challenges this season, with a staggering 20 players missing a total of 59 games due to injuries. Among these players, eight have been absent for four or more games, with seven of them belonging to the offensive side of the team.

The impact of these injuries has been so severe that head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed his wish to have access to a cryogenic chamber during the team's bye week. He humorously mentioned that he would have loved for his players to emerge from the chamber completely rejuvenated and injury-free, similar to the concept depicted in the Austin Powers movies.

While the physical toll on the players remains uncertain, Dillingham acknowledged the mental refreshment that the team experienced during their time away from the field. The players are now eager to return to action, but the challenge lies in determining who is physically capable of playing in the upcoming game against the formidable No. 5 ranked Washington team.

The lack of depth has been particularly evident in the offensive line, with six different linemen missing games throughout the season. However, there is hope for improvement as players like Isaia Glass and Cade Briggs, who have missed a significant number of games, could potentially return. Dillingham expressed optimism about their potential comeback during a recent news conference.

Another critical addition to the offensive line could come in the form of Sione Finau, who was unavailable for the previous game against Colorado. Dillingham emphasized the importance of these players' return, as they were starters at the beginning of the season. However, their availability will still need to be monitored throughout the week, as the team has yet to practice.

The running back position has also been affected, with DeCarlos Brooks, the team's second-string running back, missing four games. The coaching staff is closely evaluating his situation and anticipates his return within the next two weeks.

On the defensive side, nickelback Jordan Clark saw significant playing time in the game against Colorado and has made progress during the break. This development bodes well for the team's defensive strategy moving forward.

The quarterback position has experienced its own challenges, with starter Jaden Rashada missing the third game of the season. The coaching staff initially aimed to preserve Rashada's redshirt status after his expected recovery period of 4-6 weeks. However, as the timeline draws closer, Dillingham has not yet confirmed Rashada's return. The decision will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation and his ability to fully engage in the team's game plans.

In light of the numerous injuries, it is crucial to keep track of the players who have been absent from the team. Arizona State football has provided an injury tracker to stay updated on the status of these players.

Looking ahead, Arizona State will face Washington State in a highly anticipated game at 5 p.m. at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday, October 28. The game will be broadcasted on Pac-12 Networks, giving fans the opportunity to witness the team's resilience despite the challenges they have faced throughout the season.

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