It’s a tough break for the Washington Huskies and their star wide receiver Jalen McMillan. The sophomore standout will miss the Huskies’ Pac-12 opener against the California Golden Bears due to a foot injury.
McMillan, who was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, had a breakout freshman season in 2019. He caught 57 passes for 825 yards and seven touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. He was expected to be a major contributor for the Huskies this season, but his injury has put a damper on those plans.
The Huskies will have to make do without McMillan against the Golden Bears, who are coming off a 7-6 season in 2019. It won’t be easy for the Huskies to replace McMillan’s production, but they do have some talented receivers on the roster. Senior Aaron Fuller is the most experienced of the group, having caught 90 passes for 1,238 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He’ll be joined by junior Ty Jones and sophomore Puka Nacua, who combined for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019.
The Huskies will also be without running back Richard Newton, who is out with an ankle injury. Newton rushed for 645 yards and seven touchdowns last season and was expected to be the team’s primary ball-carrier this year. His absence will put more pressure on the passing game to produce.
The Huskies will have to find a way to win without McMillan and Newton in their Pac-12 opener against the Golden Bears. It won’t be easy, but if they can get some production from their other receivers and running backs, they may be able to pull off the upset.
