THE SIDELINES : Injury Puts Husky on Bench

The University of Washington’s starting tight end, Aaron Pierce, broke his right wrist in the football team’s season-opening victory against San Jose State and will be replaced in the lineup for Saturday’s game at Purdue, Husky coach Don James said.

Taking Pierce’s spot will be senior Mark Kilpack, James said Monday.

Pierce, a 6-5, 228-pound junior, was injured diving for a second-quarter pass in the Huskies’ 20-17 victory, but played the rest of the game. It was his first game in the starting lineup.

Despite the injury, he made a key 12-yard reception on a late drive that resulted in a field goal and put the Huskies ahead for good.

After X-rays were taken Sunday, Pierce was surprised to learn he had broken a small bone.

“I didn’t think it was broken,” he said. “I thought I sprained my wrist.”

Pierce was to be fitted for a playing cast and was expected to travel to Purdue, but playing time was questionable.

“The thing it does right away is take our two tight-end offense out,” James said.