Oregon State May Get A Couple Players Back

Oregon State head coach Gary Andersen didn't have a lot to say today at his weekly Monday media address, but as the Beavers prepare for what's likely to be another rough day in the 119th renewal of the Civil War in Eugene on Friday, he did drop a bit of a hint of something interesting.

Partially because everyone had seen Seth Collins, previously announced as being out for the season after injuring his knee in practice prior to the Utah game, practicing with the team at wide receiver today (Oregon State practiced on what is normally an off-day due to the short week), Andersen announced that the Beavers might get a couple of players back this week, and that Collins might be one of them.

Gary Andersen says OSU may get a couple players thought out for season back for CW, & Seth Collins might be one of them.

— Building the Dam (@BuildingTheDam) November 23, 2015

As we tweeted at the time (which ESPN noted), Andersen acknowledged the work of the OSU training staff, and said its possible a couple of players previously thought to be finished could play in the final game of the season.

Listen here:

We won't know for sure probably until we see who runs onto the field at some point, and it will depend on how things go the next day or so, and the doctor's final report comes out mid-week, but it could make a long cold winter of off-season work a little less uncomfortable to get in a few plays.

There could be cameo performances for some others as well; for example, Jalen Grimble dressed for Senior Day last Saturday, even though he didn't play. Departing seniors and walk-ons sometimes get a final, or only, play in the last game of the season.

Andersen noted that Collins would probably willingly play 80 snaps at safety if asked, or allowed, being the competitor he is, but a few particular play packages with Collins at WR or even in the back field, aka what we have seen from Victor Bolden and Paul Lucas, is the likely scenario.

More importantly, it probably confirms that Andersen has given up on Collins as a quarterback, though only what happens in the spring will confirm if the rumours about moving Collins to WR come to fruition.

It was also noted that both Nick Mitchell, benched after an 0 for 7 start Saturday, and Marcus McMaryion, who completed 8 of 16 passes in relief of Mitchell, would likely both play this week.

How, exactly, that plan improves the likelihood of Oregon State not suffering its 6th non-competitive loss of the season, and 4th of the month, isn't clear, but it could be a glimpse into the future, for better or worse.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com