WR Bruns hopes to play in game

SAN DIEGO — When Cody Bruns fell awkwardly on the turf at Martin Stadium while fielding a punt in the Apple Cup, he figured his season was over.

"I came down on it (my shoulder) wrong and it just snapped," he said. "At first I thought I dislocated my shoulder, but it ended up being my clavicle."

And with a broken clavicle usually requiring a four- to six-week recovery time, UW coaches essentially declared Bruns out for the Holiday Bowl against Nebraska on Thursday.

But Bruns is proving a quick healer and Sunday said he expects to be well enough to at least handle holding duties for point-after attempts and field goals.

"I'm definitely trying to get back," he said. "Last week I started feeling better. It's still pretty sore and stuff, but I started getting some flexibility (last week) so I thought coming down here there would be a chance."

Bruns appears less likely to get in the game as a receiver. But UW coach Steve Sarkisian said if Bruns can handle it, he will do the holding, feeling it important to keep the team of snapper Brendan Lopez, Bruns and kicker Erik Folk together.

"We are hopeful that he is able to hold in the game because of obviously that battery with Lopez, Bruns and obviously the kicker, Folkie, is all critical," Sarkisian said.

Crichton sidelined again

Washington hoped it might get sophomore defensive end Talia Crichton, who has been out since the Oregon State game Oct. 16 with a knee injury, back for the Holiday Bowl. But Crichton suffered a slight re-injury of the knee Saturday and did not practice Sunday.

Sarkisian said there was a chance Crichton could play but didn't sound optimistic. Washington is thin on the defensive line already with tackles Cameron Elisara and Semisi Tokolahi out. Washington hoped Crichton could at least add depth at end if not return to a starting role.

In better news, backup tackle Chris Robinson practiced again Sunday after missing most of last week's workouts with a knee injury.

Huskies head

to the zoo

After Sunday's practice, UW and Nebraska each visited the San Diego Zoo. The teams are expected to attend SeaWorld on Monday.

Washington also held a team dinner for Christmas on Saturday night that included a karaoke contest.

"We've been loving it," said safety Nate Williams. "When it's time to have our fun, we've been having a lot of fun."

Asked the best singer, Williams said backup cornerback Anthony Boyles, who sang a Brian McKnight tune.

Notes

• Washington practiced on a turf field at the University of San Diego with the main grass field pretty torn up due to use and heavy rain.

• Starting guard Ryan Tolar was limited in practice after tweaking an existing knee injury. But Sarkisian said he expects Tolar to still start.

• Backup safety Greg Walker, a key special-teams player, sat out with back spasms but should play Thursday.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com