Daily Cal: DeCoud Likely to Miss Oregon State Contest

Safety Out With Twisted Right Knee, Brandon Hampton Is Probable Replacement

Stephen Chen and Steven Dunst

Starting safety Thomas DeCoud is doubtful for the No. 20 Cal football team's game Saturday against Oregon State after injuring his knee in the first quarter against Arizona State. He twisted his right knee on the second possession and limped off the field. DeCoud did not return.

The injury was originally diagnosed as an MCL sprain pending further evaluation. Coach Jeff Tedford said Tuesday that the MRI results came up negative.  "He's day-to-day right now," Tedford said. "I would say doubtful for this week."  The team's leading tackler (21) through four games, DeCoud made the jump to the starting spot after serving as a special teams star the past two years, blocking a total of six kicks.   However, Tedford and the rest of the secondary do not anticipate a huge drop-off if DeCoud is unable to play against the Beavers in Corvallis, Ore.  Sophomore safety Bernard Hicks will try to fill the void at the free safety position after almost coming up with an interception against the Sun Devils and totaling 11.5 tackles on the year in spot duty.

Read the entire article here.