TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State coach Todd Graham continues to hint that there's a chance that junior defensive tackle Will Sutton could play as soon as Saturday's game against UCLA, but the signals are mixed.
Graham characterized Sutton's right knee injury, suffered on the second play of ASU's loss to Oregon last Thursday, as a bone bruise. He said there was no issue with a ligament.
Sutton dressed for practice Tuesday but did not participate in contact drills and walkthroughs.
"He's progressing," Graham said. "We're being more cautious than anything. We're working hard to get him back. I think it's going to be soon, and we'll see. Whether he can play this weekend or not, I just honestly really don't know. We'll know more on Thursday."
Whether Sutton is ready to go or not Saturday, the developments of the last few days are great news for the Sun Devils. The injury appeared to be much more serious when he left Thursday's game after forcing a fumble. Less than a week later, he is eagerly pushing to return.
"He wants to do more than he's doing," Graham said. "We're not letting him."
Sutton's presence would be significant against UCLA, which ranks second in the Pac-12 in rushing offense with 216.6 yards per game. Bruins senior Johnathan Franklin leads the Pac-12 with 878 yards on the year and 125.4 per game.
Without Sutton, the Sun Devils struggled to stop Oregon's ground attack, allowing 406 yards, including 143 to Kenjon Barner. ASU's rushing defense ranks eighth in the Pac-12, allowing 168.1 yards per game.
KICKING CHANGE
Graham told radio station KTAR that junior walk-on Jon Mora would kick field goals against UCLA.
Alex Garoutte has missed four of his last six attempts, including a 43-yarder against Oregon on Thursday night that would have given ASU a 10-8 lead early in the first quarter. Garoutte missed three field goals in last season's 29-28 loss to the Bruins.
PENNEL PROMOTED FROM SCOUT TEAM
Two days after returning to practice, suspended junior defensive tackle Mike Pennel moved off the scout team Tuesday.
Pennel, suspended since Oct. 2 for failure to meet team standards, rejoined practice Sunday after three weeks away from the team. Graham said Pennel was on a plan of improvement to be reinstated. He practiced with the defense Tuesday, seemingly an indication that reinstatement is not far off, but Graham said the Pennel was there Tuesday for depth purposes because Jake Sheffield re-strained a calf.
"He's still working," Graham said. "He's had two good days with his attitude good for two days, so we'll see how it progresses from here."
INJURY UPDATE
Senior right guard Andrew Sampson remained in a walking boot Tuesday and did not participate in contact drills. Sampson suffered a right ankle injury against Oregon and was replaced by Vi Teofilo. His status for Saturday's game remains unclear, though Graham has said the injury is not considered serious.
