Count In Bennett Somewhere

Backup quarterback Drew Bennett, hampered by a strained right elbow, is listed as probable for Saturday at Arizona State, and, even if he continues to have trouble throwing, he is expected to have a role.

As a receiver.

“Absolutely,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said. “Hopefully, the [swelling in the] elbow will go down more and he’ll be able to throw.”

Wednesday, in preparation for a temporary switch, one that Bennett requested on more of a permanent basis a few weeks ago, he ditched the red practice jersey that quarterbacks usually wear and matched the whites of the other receivers. Meanwhile, third-string quarterback Scott McEwan has been taking about 20% of the snaps, an increase because Toledo plans to use him in passing situations against the Sun Devils if Cory Paus gets hurt.

“I just figured I might as well go at receiver, so I can get something done and see how I feel,” Bennett said. “I like it. I like it a lot.”

*

For the third consecutive day, DeShaun Foster sat out of practice because of a sprained right ankle, so Keith Brown will start Saturday at tailback. Foster’s availability probably will be a game-time decision. . . . Lovell Houston has been put on the No. 1 return unit, joining Jermaine Lewis. Ryan Roques, who was one of the deep men, will still return punts.