Nearly six weeks after suffering a broken clavicle in Washington State’s season opener, quarterback Jeff Tuel has been given the thumbs up for a return.
What specific role he’ll fill immediately, however, remains to be seen.
In a release, Cougars head coach Paul Wulff announced that Tuel has been cleared to play in Saturday’s game against Stanford. Tuel met with Cougar team physicians Wednesday morning and after the examination was cleared to play with no restrictions.
Wulff noted in the release that Tuel’s role in the Cardinal game will be a game-time decision. Tuel started the opener, but Marshall Lobbestael has started the five games since. During that time, Lobbestael has led the Cougars to a 2-2 record and is the No. 17 QB in the country in passing efficiency.
When it appeared a week ago that Tuel was ready to return, Lobbestael himself admitted that the offense will be better with Tuel directing it. It appears Wulff will hold off on handing the keys of the offense back to Tuel until shortly before kickoff this weekend.
