UCLA: Bruins' 2012 health concerns begin with offensive line
UCLA first-year coach Jim Mora has enough challenges on his plate. He doesn't need injuries compounding the challenge.
Injuries? Don’t even go there. The Bruins have been relatively healthy thus far through camp, but here are a few concerns.
LB Patrick Larimore (concussions): The concern isn’t whether Larimore will play. He won’t. He retired after suffering his second concussion in a six-month span early in camp. The concern is: Do the Bruins have anyone who can fill the shoes of their 2011 leading tackler? This was not a good defensive unit last season. Losing one of the better players won’t help. Junior Todd Golper is likely to fill the middle linebacker role.
O-linemen Jeff Baca, Greg Capella and Alberto Cid (concussions): Baca had been out nearly two weeks with a concussion but returned and participated in practice on Wednesday. He and Capella are projected as starters while Cid was a part-time starter last season and is battling for a job this year. The Bruins need continuity and experience along their offensive line with redshirt freshman QB Brett Hundley taking the reins. They’re off to a shaky start.
For all the Pac-12 news you can handle, follow @CBSSportsPac12, @JohnBreech, and @cmorgancbsfoxaz on Twitter.