# Huskies Down 5 Running Backs for Purdue Game

> UW running backs injury crisis deepens ahead of Purdue clash.
- Title: Huskies Down 5 Running Backs for Purdue Game | Shortify
- Summary: UW running backs injury crisis deepens ahead of Purdue clash. Washington's running back corps drops five players for Purdue game after injury outbreak.
- Keywords: washington huskies, purdue, running backs, injury, uwa, big ten, football, college football, uwa football, washington football, sports, Huskies
- Source: Washington Huskies On SI — https://si.com/college/washington/football/huskies-down-5-running-backs-for-purdue-game-01m514fzk2an
- Published: 2026-10-16T02:06:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: washington huskies, purdue, running backs, injury, uwa, big ten, football, college football, uwa football, washington football, sports
## Running backs injury crisis
University of Washington running backs unavailable for game duty reached a season-high five.
## Defensive tackle Kai McClendon out
Defensive tackle Kai McClendon will miss his first UW game after playing in the first six.
## Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. questionable
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. remains questionable with serious rib injury.
## Husky players upgraded to probable
Starting edge rusher Jacob Lane and others upgraded to probable.
## Only three running backs healthy
Just three running backs able to play against Purdue: Brian Bonner Jr., Trey Cooley and D'Aryhian Clemons.
## Injury outbreak after Iowa loss
Huskies suffered rash of injuries after 41-24 loss to Iowa.
## Linebacker Xe'ree Alexander out
Linebacker Xe'ree Alexander out with high-ankle sprain.
## Huskies rushing attack struggles
Huskies average just 90.3 yards per game with -3 yards against Iowa.
## Offensive line recovery hope
Coach Jedd Fisch has all four returning offensive-line starters healthy.
## Key takeaway

Washington's running back corps drops five players for Purdue game after injury outbreak.