COLORADO SPRINGS — The cloud around the playing status of injured Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson for Saturday’s game against San Diego State was lifted some Tuesday by coach Troy Calhoun.
“He’s working through it, and there’s a good chance he’ll play,” Calhoun said.
Jefferson, who became Air Force’s starter as a freshman in the sixth game last season, suffered a right ankle injury Saturday in the first quarter against New Mexico and didn’t return. Sophomore Connor Dietz came on and led Air Force to a 37-13 victory in Albuquerque.
Jefferson, who has been wearing a protective boot on his right foot, assessed his situation before Tuesday’s practice.
“I’m still recovering,” he said. “I’m definitely hoping to be out there Saturday. I’ve come a long way since I was on the ground Saturday night. I’m wearing the boot for precautionary reasons.”
Jefferson said his rehabbing has included sessions in the swimming pool and maneuvering work while not wearing the boot.
“Our guys have to practice and they have to be in the weight room,” Calhoun said. “A lot goes on with our quarterbacks in our offense. It takes a darn good player at that position. But from this day forward, we’re not going to have one player 100 percent unless he’s been at the beach the last eight weeks. Legs are going to be sore, and there are going to be some scratches and bruises.”
Tough matchup.
San Diego State wide receiver Vincent Brown is second in the country in receiving yards, averaging 141.3 yards a game.
The Falcons have played against good receivers the past two weeks in Eric Decker at Minnesota and A.J. Butler, Chris Hernandez and James Wright at New Mexico. But Brown will be their biggest challenge yet.
“We’re playing against a player who will be a first-day NFL draft pick.” Calhoun said. “They do a good job of getting him in alignments where he has a chance to catch a ball more frequently. The danger is what he can do after he catches the ball. You hold your breath until they get him down. He’s one of those big-play guys. The single player who can change a game on one play quicker than anybody is a wide receiver.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
