Bragg Will Miss Cal Game

Injured senior wide receiver Craig Bragg, a former San Jose Bellarmine Prep standout, will not play Saturday against California despite working out Tuesday in shoulder pads for the first time since he suffered a shoulder injury at Washington on Sept. 18.

“I wish that I could be playing, especially with this being a homecoming game for me and all, but I have to be smart,” said Bragg, who has missed the last two games but still is second on the team in receiving with 12 catches for 217 yards.

“If I absolutely had to play I could, but that wouldn’t be the best idea. I can do some things, but I could only go about 15-20 plays. I’m trying to do what is right and if [team doctors] say I need to sit out another week, then I will sit out another week.”

UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell was pleased with Bragg.

“He’s still at least another week or so away, but it was nice to see him with his pads on catching the ball and running around,” Dorrell said.

Bragg said he planned to return for UCLA’s game at Arizona State on Oct. 23.

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UCLA’s defense up front was down a few players in Tuesday’s practice. End Justin Hickman aggravated a knee injury and did not finish, but Dorrell said the injury did not appear serious. End Bruce Davis was limited because of a groin injury and tackle C.J. Niusulu did not practice because of illness.... Center Mike McCloskey and linebacker Justin London, who have been hampered because of ankle injuries, practiced with the first-team units.... UCLA’s game at Arizona State will begin at 12:30 p.m.

-- Lonnie White