With Multiple WRs Hobbled, UW Could Use Its Tight Ends More

Originally posted on FanNation Husky Maven
By Roman Tomashoff | Last updated 10/31/23

In the Washington Huskies' 42-33 win over the Stanford Cardinal, tight ends Devin Culp and Jack Westover both found the end zone. With the coaching staff dealing with injuries to wide receivers Jalen McMillan, Germie Bernard and Giles Jackson, the tight ends could find become even more involved in the offensive game plan than before.

The scores against Stanford were both firsts for the tight ends: Westover's 1-yard touchdown run was the first rushing score of his career while Culp's 24-yard receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter was the first time he's found the end zone this season.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb didn't rule out the possibility of Westover getting more carries either.

"I'll do anything to get the run game going," Grubb said.

While the likelihood of Washington's tight ends getting further involved in the run game seems low, they could find themselves utilized more in the passing game. Culp has showed that he can create after the catch, averaging 14.3 yards per reception this season.

Even though he has caught just 10 passes, his athleticism in the open field could be an added weapon for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over the final month of the season.

Westover has shown that he can be a big part of the Huskies' passing attack, too, after pulling in 3 touchdowns early in the season against Michigan State. The senior tight end has 20 catches for 185 yards this season and also has proved that he can be a reliable chai-mover on third down.

With four games remaining in the regular season, Washington has a lot of work to do to keep its undefeated season alive. Getting the tight ends a few more touches could go a long way toward to keeping things intact.

Go to si.com/college/washington to read the latest Inside the Huskies stories — as soon as they’re published.

This article first appeared on FanNation Husky Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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