TEMPE, Ariz. -- Optimism regarding Arizona State defensive tackle Will Sutton's availability for Saturday grew once again on Thursday with coach Todd Graham offering that he expects Sutton to play against Oregon State, albeit in a limited capacity.
"I think Will's going to be able to go," Graham said following the team's morning practice. "It will probably be more of a game-time decision how much, but I feel good about it."
Sutton suffered a bone bruise on Arizona State' s first defensive play against Oregon on Oct. 18 and missed last week's game against UCLA. He has been limited in practice but made incremental progress this week and prepared with the first team.
Graham said Sutton even if he does play, won't be available on every down as usual but rather more like 75 percent of them.
"He'll do what he can do," Graham said. "He looks good. He has no pain, so that's good. If he doesn't have any pain, he'll be rolling."
Sutton's absence in the Oregon game left ASU scrambling, as the star junior provides the basis of much of the team's defensive scheme. Graham had to adjust on the fly after Sutton's injury and admitted that it led to mistakes on his part. It was obvious that Sutton's loss affected both the defense's run-stopping ability and ability to get pressure on the quarterback, which impacted the secondary's effectiveness, especially in last week's loss to UCLA.
Graham also said Thursday that junior defensive end Junior Onyeali (shoulder) "is definitely going to be able to go." Senior right guard Andrew Sampson (ankle), however, is doubtful, and redshirt freshman Vi Teofilo will likely start in his place as he did last week.
