Injury report: Three running backs battling ankle injuries

Here’s the rundown, per UCLA head coach Jim Mora: starter Jordon James is “fine”; senior Damien Thigpen is a game-time decision; reserve back Steve Manfro is out.

All three are battling ankle injuries, and both James and Thigpen entered Wednesday’s no-pads practice with their right ankles wrapped. The Bruins also have Paul Perkins and Malcolm Jones available, though the latter did not carry the ball against Arizona last Saturday.

Of breakout two-way star Myles Jack, Mora said simply: “He’s a linebacker.”

Backup left tackle Conor McDermott has also undergone shoulder surgery, the Los Angeles Times reported. He has not played since separating his shoulder at last month at Stanford, and will not return this season.

The Bruins also lost starting tackle Simon Goines in their loss to the Cardinal. Goines has appeared at practice, but still has his right knee wrapped and limps noticeably. The injuries have forced UCLA to move All-American Xavier Su’a-Filo to left tackle, and start true freshman Scott Quessenberry at left guard.