Running back CJ Verdell was not on the field for the final offensive snap of Saturday's 34-20 loss to Washington State. The emerging star running back appeared to suffer an injury following his 25 yard pass reception on that final series, and was even mentioned on Monday's injury report provided by Mario Crisotbal.

Per Crisotbal, Verdell was dealing with a hip flexor injury, but the coach added "he seems like he's going to be OK". Verdell reiterated that on Tuesday. Verell said he was a full participant at Tuesday's Arizona prep practice, he described the injury as "nothing serious".

“I’m alright, it’s just a little sore," he explained. "I’m getting treatment and stuff, but I should be good."

Verdell has established himself as the clear No. 1 back for the 19th-ranked Ducks. Through seven games this season, Verdell has run for a team-high 586 yards, good for eighth best in the Pac-12, and has carried the ball much more than counterparts Travis Dye and Tony Brooks-James in four league games. He has carried the ball 70 times in four Pac-12 games, while Dye has 45, and Brooks-James has just six carries — each of which came in the first half against Stanford.

In the lead up to games against Washington and Washington State, head coach Mario Crisotbal has conveyed the intent to utilize Brooks-James more. Yet, he hasn't seen a play from scrimmage in either game.

“We planned on rotating both Dye and Tony this last game game," Cristobal said on Monday. "When it became more of a passing game, we felt CJ gave us the best chance in protection."

Verdell echoed Cristobal's comments regarding the senior, saying on Tuesday that Brooks-James "will always be in the mix".

The stout and sturdy back is built perfectly to lay the lumber on a blitzing linebacker or defensive back. At 5-foot-8 and 202 pounds, he packs a mean punch.

“It’s definitely something that’s developed being here and being in this college atmosphere," Verdell said of his work in pass protection. "You definitely have to pass block a lot in this offense. Coach Mastro does a good job of getting us prepared."

In film review, Verdell said that was one area of the WSU game that was a positive. The rest are things they'll need to work out this week in practice. The team was held to a season-low 58 yards rushing.

“We just want to get back to the basics, try to simplify things for the offense and try to find things that work for us," he said.

Finding success on the ground may be easier this week. While the Cougars weren't tops in the Pac-12 against the rush, they were decent in that area coming in. Arizona is not. The Wildcats rank 11th in the Pac-12 against the run. Opposing teams have averaged 195.9 yards on the ground this season.