FORT COLLINS — Colorado State’s hazy quarterback race gained some focus Tuesday as the Rams began installing a game plan for the Sept. 6 Rocky Mountain Showdown at Colorado.
With Jon Eastman’s return and a solid practice from Grant Stucker, coach Steve Fairchild said T.J. Borcky will remain at wide receiver. But there might not be a winner between junior college transfer Eastman and fifth-year senior Stucker.
“We probably will have to (name a starter) by Monday, but I won’t rule out playing both,” Fairchild said.
Eastman returned to practice with his surgically repaired broken left ring finger taped, allowing him to take snaps under center.
“It was frustrating,” he said of missing three practices. “It was a humbling experience.”
Eastman injured the finger late in the week before an Aug. 15 scrimmage, after which Fairchild called it the worst quarterbacking practice he had witnessed in 30 years of coaching. Eastman had prior surgery on his nonthrowing hand and said as a result, a tendon wouldn’t permit his finger to bend back normally. He said it snapped when he rolled out on a play, slipped on the grass and fell on his hand. When it continued to bother him into last week, it was X-rayed and a pin was inserted Thursday.
QB Kubiak out of CU game.
In other quarterback news, Klay Kubiak who has missed practice for a week and a half with lingering shoulder issues, has been ruled out of the opener.
The staff added seven walk-ons with the start of classes, but none are quarterbacks. “I wish,” Fairchild said.
Jersey changes.
A few jersey changes were made to avoid potential conflicts on special teams with players wearing the same number. Tight end Eric Peitz, who wore No. 11, now is wearing No. 45 because he is on some special teams with No. 11 Nick Oppenneer.
Orakpo not playing.
Fairchild confirmed that linebacker Mike Orakpo, who signed with the Rams last February, will not be with the team at least for this fall. Orakpo had NCAA clearinghouse issues. He is the younger brother of Redskins first-round draft pick Brian Orakpo.
Printout.
The athletic department announced that fans who purchase tickets online may also print their tickets at home, similar to airline passes.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
