Olson still a question mark

UCLA quarterback Ben Olson, out since Oct. 6 because of a knee injury, is one good week of practice away from being available Saturday against Oregon. That left Coach Karl Dorrell maneuvering through his weekly news conference Monday.

Osaar Rasshan, who has taken over after Patrick Cowan was injured against Arizona on Nov. 3, will start at quarterback against the Ducks. But if Olson is ready, will the Bruins use a player who was the No. 1 quarterback when the season began?

Dorrell has gone only so far as to say that Olson could be ready to be the emergency quarterback Saturday.

Asked what would constitute an emergency, he said, “I’m expecting us to play great this Saturday and for us to play an exciting football game and just to execute what we need to do offensively, put some points on the board, stop them on defense and limit their points that they can score and for us to just play well.”

That being said, Dorrell did add, “We’re prepared for all scenarios, but we’re not looking at the negative right now. We’re looking at what’s coming ahead and what’s going to be positive about this coming Saturday. [Ben] is going to get a chance to help if he’s able to get through the week. That’s all I can really say on that.”

When asked whether being the emergency quarterback meant Olson would be available in case of an injury, Dorrell jokingly pounded on the lectern with both fists, smiling.

“I’ve had enough. I just want to stop. I don’t want to talk about that anymore,” Dorrell said. “I want to finish this season positive, with what we have and guys wanting to play and having success these last two games. Don’t say that anymore.”

The Bruins, who have lost three consecutive games, need one victory to become bowl-eligible. Dorrell is also believed to have his job on the line. But the questions about whether UCLA’s No. 1 quarterback could be on the field at this key moment were turned away.

Asked if Olson were ready, would it give him an option in case Rasshan was struggling, Dorrell said, “That’s another redirect of your original questions. So I’m going back to the same. I’m going to be very optimistic about Osaar and our production this week. We’re going to put together a great plan and we feel good about the progress that has been happening in the last couple weeks. That’s the way I want to look at it.”

Dorrell, though, did open his news conference by saying that Olson, “looked good” Sunday. “Hopefully he’ll be able to go through a week of practice to see if we can have him available for the game,” Dorrell added.

The Bruins, who are coming off a bye week, were already preparing for an Oregon team with quarterback Dennis Dixon, who is now out for the season because of a knee injury. Brady Leaf will replace him.

Dorrell said that would change to Bruins’ preparation, as Dixon was a “very mobile player and one of their leading rushers.” Leaf is more of a pocket passer.

Still, Dorrell said, “Their offense can spread you out, and they’re going to attack you in all different edges of it.”

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chris.foster@latimes.com

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vs. Oregon (8-2, 5-2)

Saturday, Rose Bowl, 12:30, Ch. 7