Sean Mannion to start at quarterback against Cal

Quarterback Cody Vaz and guard Grant Enger were still unable to practice Thursday, though head coach Mike Riley did say both are continuing to make progress with ankle injuries that knocked them out of the Stanford game last week.

As a result, Sean Mannion will start at quarterback and Derek Nielson at guard for the Beavers Saturday night when Oregon St. hosts California for the season's second blackout game.

Both Vaz and Enger will dress for the game, but its unknown how much either will be able to play. Riley said especially with the extra half day the late start, at 7:30 PM, there's still quite a bit of time for more rehab.

Mannion began the season as the starter, leading Oregon St. to a 4-0 start, but then had to have knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and misses 2 starts, both of which Vaz started and won.

Mannion returned to the starting lineup against Washington, but was inaccurate, and was replaced by Vaz after throwing 4 interceptions.

Vaz led the Beavers to victory against Arizona St., but fumbled the ball and the game away at Stanford, and then suffered a twisted ankle.

Linebacker D.J. Welch, who left the Stanford game after the first series with rib and shoulder pain, has returned to practice, and is expected to play Saturday.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com