Hundley returns to practice ... so what's the deal with UCLA's coach?

Published Sep. 18, 2014 12:49 a.m. ET

foxsports

When the Heisman-candidate starting quarterback returns to practice, it typically answers any questions, eases any concerns a team has about the position.

But not so at UCLA.

Brett Hundley is back, and coach Jim Mora sounds as uncertain as ever about who will be under center when the No. 12 Bruins travel to No. 15 Arizona State next Thursday. Not even the backup is a lock.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Hundley returned to practice on Wednesday, five days after leaving last Saturday's game against Texas with what was suspected to be a hyperextended left (non-throwing) elbow. According to the report, Hundley headed to the practice field in full uniform and without a bandage or brace on his arm.

The practice session was closed to the media, so it is unknown exactly how much, if at all, Hundley worked with the Bruins. After practice, Hundley apparently left the field through a side fence to receive treatment, along with tackle Malcolm Bunche (leg) and safety Anthony Johnson (ankle).

Mora did meet with reporters after practice, but his words were as cryptic as Hundley's actions.

"(Injured players) work with our medical staff to get back out there as quick as they can. When they're ready to go, they put them back out there," Mora told the Times.

After Hundley left the game in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, backup Jerry Neuheisel took over in a scoreless game and led the Bruins to a 20-17 win — his 33-yard scoring pass to Jordan Payton with three minutes to play the winner.

But even after leading the Bruins to the dramatic win to improve them to 3-0, Neuheisel is apparently not assured of the starting nod at Tempe, Ariz. if Hundley cannot go.

"Just because Jerry went into that game doesn't mean he's our backup quarterback," Mora said. "We have never determined who is No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 guy. We have a whole bunch of guys. Next time someone has to go in, it could be Asiantii (Woulard). Heck, he might start the Arizona State game."

When asked if that means the Bruins could have a new starting quarterback for ASU, a smiling Mora said, "We might. You never know."