The surging CU Buffs are trying to keep the Mel Tucker Train rolling, but they’ll likely have to wait to see if they’ll have the services of their best offensive and defensive players until Saturday morning, at the earliest.

Buffs wideout Laviska Shenault, who left the win over Arizona State 10 days ago with an undisclosed injury, will be a game-time decision for Saturday’s visit from Arizona, Tucker, CU’s first-year coach, said Monday. The 6-foot-2 junior suffered the knock after a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of a 34-31 victory in Tempe.

Shenault, who was averaging 73.0 combined receiving and rushing yards per game, was seen leaving the field for treatment not long after the play and watched the second half of the contest at Sun Devil Stadium in street clothes.

Tucker on Monday also clarified the status of junior defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson, who sustained an ankle injury against Arizona State. The 6-2, 290-pound defender, who led the Buffs’ defense with three sacks through the season’s first three games, is also expected to be a game-time decision Saturday.

“Those guys will be game-time decisions,” Tucker told reporters. “Hopefully, those guys will continue to progress.”

The Buffs coach was less optimistic about cornerback Chris Miller, who reportedly suffered a sternum injury at Arizona State, being cleared to play against the Wildcats.

At least to some degree, the Buffs (3-1) have had a little time on their side for healing, as the team just wrapped up its bye week.

The loss of Johnson could stress an already green Buffs defensive front seven that’s surrendered 175.5 rushing yards per game, third-worst in the Pac-12. Although, if you take out the 289 yards on the ground allowed to Air Force’s triple-option attack, that average falls to a more respectable 137.7 surrendered per contest.