The Other Olson Is Close to Returning

Redshirt freshman quarterback Ben Olson has almost completely recovered from the small fracture in his throwing hand that kept him out of UCLA’s first three games, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make his season debut when the Bruins play host to Washington on Oct. 1.

Senior Drew Olson has been spectacular in victories over San Diego State, Rice and Oklahoma, completing 71.8% of his passes for 762 yards and six touchdowns. More important, perhaps, Olson has had no interceptions.

“Drew’s done great,” Ben Olson said. “Our offense is clicking and Drew is taking care of the ball and putting the ball where it needs to be. It’s been fun to watch.”

Ben Olson, who has not thrown a pass in a game since he played for Thousand Oaks High in 2001, said he’s willing to wait to play as long as the Bruins (3-0) maintain their fast start.

“The most important thing is that we win football games,” Olson said. “If I get an opportunity to play, then hey, awesome. If not, as long as we’re winning, that’s cool.”

Coach Karl Dorrell said Ben Olson’s play in practice would determine whether he played against the Huskies.

“He just needs to get used to being under center and the speed of the game again,” Dorrell said. “We’ll continue to get him reps and make a decision late in the week next week.”

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Sophomore free safety Chris Horton, sidelined since training camp because of a dislocated right wrist, expects to have a better idea of when he will be able to return after having X-rays today and meeting with doctors Friday morning.

In the best-case scenario, doctors would remove pins inserted to stabilize the wrist and Horton could return to contact drills in practice next week. Horton has been running with the team and conducting backpedaling drills on his own.

“I’m out here running and getting myself in shape,” Horton said. “Of course, I’m going to have to practice a lot before I can get out there and go play. Hopefully, it’s not too long. If it’s not the Washington game and the pins come out, I’m hoping it’s Cal [on Oct. 8].”

Horton’s replacement, Dennis Keyes, forced two fumbles against Oklahoma. “He’s playing great football, and [starting is] not my concern,” Horton said. “I just want to go play football.”