UCLA Coach Jim Mora doesn’t rule out a return by quarterback Josh Rosen this season

UCLA Coach Jim Mora is saying he has not counted out a Josh Rosen return this season.

“Josh is a tough son of a gun,” Mora said Tuesday morning during a conference call with reporters. “All you have to do is go back and look at the Arizona State game when he fought his way back onto the field and did everything he could to lead us to victory. So I put nothing past Josh with regards to what his future this year looks like.”

Rosen has missed two consecutive starts, and Mora said last week that there was a nerve issue in the sophomore’s throwing shoulder. He corrected himself during the call with reporters who cover Pac-12 Conference teams. “There is no nerve damage to his shoulder,” the coach said.

“I’m not a doctor, so when I’m asked a medical question I do the best I can to answer it,” Mora added. “But I didn’t go to medical school, believe it or not. I don’t have my doctorate, believe it or not. I didn’t go to UCLA medical school, believe it or not. So when I do give an answer regarding an injury, I’m not sure that it’s always going to be the correct verbiage.”

Mike Fafaul has started in place of Rosen the last two weeks and is expected to be under center when the Bruins (3-5, 1-4 in Pac-12 play) travel to No. 21 Colorado (6-2, 4-1) for a 6 p.m. game on Thursday.

The Bruins have lost three in a row and are at risk of missing a bowl game for the first time since 2010.

“We’re going to always do what’s best for our players and their long-term care,” Mora said, referring to Rosen’s status. “Their long-term health, their long-term wellbeing. Sometimes that means protecting them from themselves.

“Other than that, I have nothing to say about Josh Rosen, but I would love to talk about the University of Colorado and the great game we’re going to have against them Thursday night.”

jesse.dougherty@latimes.com

Twitter: @dougherty_jesse