Coleman ‘Very Doubtful’ for This Season

The troubled UCLA defense apparently will not be bolstered by the return this season of its best defensive player, Kenyon Coleman.

Coleman, an All-America candidate at defensive end, underwent knee surgery Sept. 19. At the time, doctors said he might return in four to six weeks. But five weeks have passed and, according to Coach Bob Toledo, Coleman has been unable to resume running.

“I think it will be very doubtful for him to return this season,” Toledo said.

Coleman was not available for comment Monday, but he has said he would opt for a medical redshirt season if he could not return. He has also said he would not rule out returning even if he could only play in the final one or two games.

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Tailback DeShaun Foster reported no problems in playing with a splint wrapped heavily in tape. Foster returned to the UCLA lineup last Saturday, three weeks after suffering a broken right hand.

Foster said he could not yet cradle the ball in his right hand but said doctors had not warned him to shy away from contact involving the hand. With the fracture still healing, Foster said he expected to play with some wrapping on the hand for the rest of the season.

Toledo said Foster would start Saturday against Arizona, with Akil Harris also playing extensively.

Harris has rushed for 197 yards in on 42 carries over the past three games.

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Defensive end Mat Ball, who returned an interception for a touchdown and recorded two tackles for losses in his first career start last Saturday, said he would be able to play this week despite a broken right hand.