ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Huskies were supposed to be getting healthier.
Hours before the game, Washington released its availability report. Most notable, fifth-year edge rusher Zach Durfee, out since suffering an elbow injury against No. 1 Ohio State Sept. 27, was not listed, marking his return after a two-game absence.
Washington had more reinforcements, too, in senior linebacker Jacob Manu. The Arizona transfer, who voluntarily sat out against Rutgers Oct. 4 as he tries to redshirt the 2025 season, suited up against Michigan. He can play only one more regular-season game if he wants to maintain his redshirt this season and have another year of eligibility for 2026.
While UW’s defensive depth improved before its 24-7 defeat against Michigan, its offense took a battering. The Huskies lost three players — seventh-year tight end Quentin Moore, fifth-year left tackle Maximus McCree and sophomore tight end Kade Eldridge — Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. UW coach Jedd Fisch wasn’t optimistic about a quick return for any of them, noting that McCree is likely out for the season.
“It’s not a good situation for any of those three right now,” Fisch said.
Moore went down with 10:31 remaining in the second quarter after making a block as part of UW’s punt shield during a 38-yard punt by sophomore Luke Dunne. Moore, a Kenmore native, spent several minutes down on the turf being examined by trainers before eventually being strapped to a board and carted out of the stadium.
UW spokesperson Jeff Bechthold said Moore was conscious, responsive and exhibiting movement in all his extremities. He was taken to a hospital for precautionary testing. Speaking postgame, Fisch said he didn’t have a specific diagnosis for Moore’s injury and added they were still waiting to hear if the tight end was able to fly back with the team or if they needed to leave staffers here with him for a day.
“From what I understand,” Fisch said, “he’s doing well in.”
It’s an unfortunate injury blow for Moore, who missed every game but one in 2024 after an ineligible player ran off the Weber State sideline and gave him a season-ending knee injury. Moore spoke earlier this season about the difficult recovery process he’d faced, along with a few minor setbacks.
But Moore wasn’t the only tight end injury Washington sustained in the first half. Eldridge, filling in for Moore, picked up an injury with less than a minute remaining in the second half. The USC transfer was blocking on a 5-yard rush by senior running back Jonah Coleman when he injured his foot. After limping to the sideline, he did not return to the game.
Washington’s tight end depth is suddenly extremely thin with Moore and Eldridge potentially headed for lengthy absences. Redshirt freshman Charlie Crowell was ruled out before the season as he continues rehabilitating from a season-ending injury he suffered shortly before the 2024 season, and former Tumwater High standout Ryan Otton sought medical retirement before fall camp.
That leaves sophomore Decker DeGraaf, who has lots of experience, and a pair of freshmen: Baron Naone and Austin Simmons.
McCree also failed to return for the second half. Fisch said he also sustained a foot injury. The fifth-year tackle was already filling in for injured sixth-year tackle Carver Willis, who Fisch said he hopes to get back for UW’s next game against Illinois. Sophomore Soane Faasolo played the second half in McCree’s absence.