Wednesday, October 31, 2007

ASU QB Carpenter unable to throw during practice due to sprained right thumb


TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter was unable to throw in practice Tuesday due to swelling in his sprained right thumb.

But coach Dennis Erickson said Carpenter is almost certain to play when the sixth-ranked Sun Devils visit No. 4 Oregon on Saturday.

Carpenter took snaps and handed off but didn't throw Tuesday, his first practice since he sprained the thumb handing off to tailback Keegan Herring in a 31-20 victory over California last weekend.

``He couldn't throw,'' Erickson said. ``His thumb swelled up. It bothers him a little bit.''

Erickson reacted with disbelief when asked if there was any chance Carpenter would sit out against the Ducks.

``He'll play,'' Erickson said. ``I would be shocked if he didn't come out throwing by Thursday, but I'm not a doctor.''

Carpenter didn't speak to reporters.

If Carpenter can't play, the Sun Devils would turn to sophomore Danny Sullivan, who has completed 11 of 14 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown in mop-up duty this season.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

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