The status of Washington star tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was already a question mark heading into the start of the season because of an offseason DUI/suspension. Now, his availability for the beginning of the season could be hindered by an injury.
Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian said Tuesday that Jenkins has a fractured pinkie and will need surgery to repair the injury.
“Austin’s going to be out for quite awhile,” Sarkisian said. “He actually has a small fracture in his pinkie there that’s going to require surgery, so he’s going to be out for an amount of time. He came out with a good attitude. He’s doing all the conditioning work and the fundamental stuff from a footwork standpoint, but he won’t be catching balls here for a little while.”
And what exactly does “a little while” mean? It’s not clear.
“I don’t know, quite honestly. I’m hopeful it’s day, but I really don’t know,” Sarkisian said when asked if the injury would take “weeks or months” to return from. “I’ll know more at the end of the week.”
Losing Jenkins for any amount of time would be a huge blow to the Huskies offense as the tight end was the team’s second-leading receiver last season with 852 yards and seven touchdowns. Sarkisian had been mum about any possible punishment for Jenkins after he pleaded guilty to his drunk driving charge from the spring.
If the injury is serious enough, Jenkins may miss some time anyway. There are no season opening cupcakes for the Huskies either, which host Boise State in Week 1.
(Hat tip: Seattle Times)