ASU football: Former starting QB won’t return against Oregon

TEMPE, Ariz. — There were high hopes of Jaden Rashada making his return for ASU football on Saturday against Oregon. However, the dream of a Rashada return on Saturday seems to be gone.

Jaden Rashada will NOT return against Oregon for ASU football

Earlier this week Arizona State football head coach Kenny Dillingham stated that it was a possibility true freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada could return to play against Oregon.

“Potentially, just depends on if he’s ready and healthy to get back in there,” Dillingham said. “No, I’m not gonna push him past the timeline, or until he’s 100%. But yes… if he feels 100%, he could be in the football game. But I’m not gonna push him until he’s at that point.”

However, Wednesday after practice while speaking with the media, Dillingham confirmed that Rashada would not play against Oregon.

“He’s not going to be ready to play this week….Maybe an emergency guy,” Dillingham said. “He looks really good. He’s getting back healthy.”

Rashada hasn’t played since Week 2 against Oklahoma State. He’s been sidelined with a leg injury that he reaggravated from high school.

The true freshman is technically able to play in the remaining game this season, without burning his redshirt. This Saturday, ASU welcomes Oregon into Tempe, and the following Saturday it’s ASU’s rival Arizona.

Oregon has looked like arguably the most dominant team in the Pac-12 conference this season. The Ducks are third in the conference in total defense, so maybe it’s wise not to bring back Rashada this week. Throwing a true freshman out under center behind a depleted line against one of the best defenses in college football could be disastrous.

Despite Rashada not playing this week, I do think it’s possible, maybe even likely, that he returns against Arizona.

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