Sep. 24—PULLMAN — Washington State 's tight end room may be getting reinforcements sometime soon.
Tight end Trey Leckner , who has been out since the summer with a foot injury, is "getting closer" to returning to action, coach Kirby Moore said on Thursday. A likely starter if he was healthy, Leckner was expected to be out until midseason, but he's making quicker progress than was previously anticipated.
Leckner is expected to miss WSU's home game against Arizona this weekend, but moving forward, he will be considered "game-to-game," Moore said.
"He's been moving around quite a bit in practice," Moore added.
Leckner's return would amount to a big boon for the Cougars , whose offense has left something to be desired in their first three games of the season, even after a blowout win over FCS Duquesne last weekend. Leckner profiles as the team's best pass-catching tight end, which could help quarterback Caden Pinnick and offensive coordinator Matt Miller unlock their offense.
A redshirt junior from Snohomish, Leckner started nine of 13 games last season, catching 24 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, which tied for the third-most by a tight end in WSU single-season history. In 2024, he played in 12 games (two as a starter), reeling in three passes for 56 yards and one score.
In Leckner's absence, WSU's starting tight end has been veteran transfer Jack Pedersen, who has registered four receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown, which came against Duquesne last weekend. The Cougars also have young players Peyton Read and Cash Landau.
CB Tucker questionable
WSU cornerback Jalil Tucker will be a game-time decision against Arizona, Moore said. Tucker, who first sustained an injury in the Sept. 6 Apple Cup, missed the next game against Kansas State, wearing street clothes on the sideline. A transfer from Oregon State, Tucker dressed and warmed up against Duquesne, but didn't play.
In Tucker's absence, WSU has tried a couple different approaches. Against K-State, the Cougars went with redshirt senior Kai Rapolla, who had a forgettable game, missing two tackles and allowing three catches on four targets. Against Duquesne, they moved nickelback Jamarey Smith to cornerback and brought safety Jackquintin Ball off the bench, which seemed to work better for the Cougars.
If Tucker can't play against Arizona, look for coaches to go with the latter strategy once again.
Sticking with Stevens
Also Thursday, Moore expressed more confidence in kicker Jack Stevens , who has opened the season 1-for-5 on field goals, an uncharacteristic stretch after being reliable last season. In the Cougars' Wednesday practice, Moore said, Stevens capped a two-minute drill scenario with a field goal of about 45 or 50 yards.
"Really, it's about the work," Moore said, "and he's doing a really good job throughout this week."
At this point, it seems likely that WSU coaches will stick with Stevens, who also missed the first extra point of his career against Duquesne. If they were to ever make a change, it would likely be to transfer kicker Miguel Arenas , who has spearheaded kickoff duties this fall. He seems to have the bigger leg between the two.
