It looks like No. 16 Arizona will have its best defensive player in the lineup Saturday night against No. 9 UCLA.
ESPN’s Brett McMurphy reported Friday that star linebacker Scooby Wright is “expected to play” for the Wildcats. Wright, an All-American middle linebacker, injured his left knee in Arizona’s season-opening win over UTSA on Sept. 3.
According to McMurphy, Wright “had his left knee scoped three weeks ago to repair a lateral meniscus tear.” He tested the knee in practice this week and is now reportedly ready to return to action.
Arizona (3-0) was able to beat Nevada and Northern Arizona without Wright in the lineup, but he will be a welcome presence as the Wildcats begin Pac-12 play. Wright, a junior, totaled 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and six forced fumbles en route to winning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2014.
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And while Wright is set to return for the Wildcats, UCLA (3-0) lost two of its best defensive players – linebacker Myles Jack and cornerback Fabian Moreau – to season-ending injuries. However, cornerback Ishmael Adams will return from suspension for the Bruins.
The game kicks off at 8 p.m. from Arizona Stadium.
For more Arizona news, visit GOAZCats.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!