Injuries are an inevitable part of the midseason grind, but Washington’s latest update coming out of the Michigan game offers a little of everything—some real setbacks, a few hopeful signs, and several question marks that could define how the Huskies navigate the second half of their schedule.
Toughest Blow: Kade Eldridge Done for the Season
The hardest hit comes at tight end, where sophomore Kade Eldridge is out for the year with a foot injury. It’s a tough break for a player who was just beginning to carve out a role in Jedd Fisch’s offense. Eldridge, a USC transfer and hometown product from Lynden, Washington, appeared in all seven games with one start, recording his first catch of the season—a six-yard grab against Michigan—before his year was suddenly cut short.
Good News for Quentin Moore
On the brighter side, senior tight end Quentin Moore appears to have avoided disaster. The scene in Ann Arbor was tense when Moore went down awkwardly and had to be stretchered off the field—a moment that left the stadium silent. Fortunately, the injury turned out to be a concussion scare, not something season-ending.
Head coach Jedd Fisch shared encouraging news Monday:
“I’m very pleased and we’re very fortunate that injury wasn’t what we initially thought. He just got hit in a certain spot… but he’s going to be OK.”
That’s huge for Washington, because Moore has been the team’s most reliable blocker in a tight end rotation that’s still taking shape. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior has played in every game, started three, and recorded three receptions for 35 yards—but his biggest impact comes in the trenches, where his physical presence has anchored the edge blocking schemes.
Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
Things are a little murkier on the offensive line. Senior right tackle Max McCree left the Michigan game in the first half with a foot injury. Early speculation pointed to a possible season-ending issue, but Fisch was quick to tap the brakes:
“I think it’s significant,” he said. “But let’s not call it a season-ender.”
McCree had taken over the starting job the past three games, filling in for Carver Willis, who’s been out with a knee injury suffered against Ohio State. The good news: Willis, a transfer from Kansas State, might be ready to return for this weekend’s home game against Illinois—a much-needed boost to a unit that’s been tested in every way.
If Willis isn’t cleared, expect Soane Faasolo to step up again. The massive 6-foot-8, 330-pound sophomore filled in admirably against Michigan and already has four career starts from last season at left tackle. His versatility gives the Huskies a steadying presence when depth is thin.
Freshman Guard John Mills Nearing Return
Another name inching closer to a return is freshman guard John Mills, a 6-foot-6, 342-pound powerhouse on the left side. Mills has missed the last two games after an injury against Maryland, but there’s optimism he’ll be back soon—potentially even this weekend. His return could help solidify an offensive line that’s been in constant shuffle mode since the Big Ten opener.
If Washington can get both Willis and Mills back for Illinois, it could mark a turning point for a group that’s been forced to adjust on the fly.
Defensive Spotlight: Jacob Manu’s Murky Status
Defensively, the uncertainty centers on veteran linebacker Jacob Manu, who continues to recover from the serious knee injury that ended his 2024 campaign. Manu has appeared in three games this year, including the Michigan loss, but with NCAA redshirt rules allowing one more appearance before burning a year of eligibility, the Huskies are being cautious.
Adding to the complexity, Manu has filed a lawsuit seeking eligibility to play the rest of this season and next year. For now, the expectation is that he’ll likely sit until the Oregon game or possibly return for the bowl season.
Final Takeaway
As Washington hits the back half of the schedule, the team’s depth and durability are being tested as much as its talent. Some key reinforcements may be on the way, while others are out for the year—but this stretch will reveal the Huskies’ true resilience under Jedd Fisch.
The next few weeks won’t just define the season—they’ll show how far this roster can go when adversity hits hardest.
