Injured Paus Says Return Is Possible

Cory Paus appreciates the steady stream of cards and e-mails from well-wishers, but he insisted Wednesday that Bruin followers might not have seen the last of Cory Paus.

The injured senior quarterback said doctors told him he could return as soon as the regular-season finale against Washington State on Dec. 7. And should UCLA qualify for a bowl appearance -- no sure thing at this point -- Paus believes he would be able to play.

“It would be phenomenal,” Paus said. “I’m not going to plan on it. That way if it doesn’t happen it won’t be too devastating. But I am going to stay in shape and do everything I can to be ready.”

He will undergo surgery today to have a plate and a screw inserted into his right fibula, which was broken just above the ankle Saturday against California.

“It’s a non-weight-bearing bone,” he said. “The recovery should be pretty fast.”

Paus is able to make it to classes on crutches. He is taking the last four units toward his degree in history.

“I’m handling this fine,” he said. “A friend of mine from Chicago was in a car accident last Thursday and is in a coma. I’ve got a broken ankle. Who cares?”

Paus doesn’t know if he’ll be able to stand on the sideline Saturday. But he wants to begin contributing as soon as possible as a mentor to freshman quarterbacks Matt Moore, Drew Olson and John Sciarra.

“I want my presence to be positive and upbeat for the team,” he said. “We have three freshman quarterbacks and they didn’t plan on this. I’ll be there for them and help any way I can.”

As for those cards, letters and e-mails, Paus expressed appreciation.

“A lot of those people, I didn’t always feel like they were my No. 1 fans,” he said. “But everyone has been very kind.”

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Moore practiced and the injured Olson did not for the third day in a row.

Although Coach Bob Toledo said a decision hasn’t been made on a starting quarterback, all signs point to Moore.

“Matt seems to be picking up what we’re trying to do,” Toledo said. “I’m leaning more and more toward going with Moore.”

Moore played only one year at quarterback at Newhall Hart High, but was successful -- Hart was 13-0 and he passed for 3,334 yards and 33 touchdowns. As a junior he played free safety and had 10 interceptions.

Olson, who has a slightly separated shoulder, did little more than play catch early in practice.

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Cornerback Matt Clark will be sidelined because of a broken toe.... Nate Fikse will kick PATs and field-goal attempts in addition to his kickoff and punting duties.