A foray at cornerback lasted one game for junior Tajon Evans, who suffered a knee injury against the Dukes. WSU head coach Mickey Mental said Evans would be out “long term,” another hit at the Wildcats’ defensive depth.

Sophomore Logan Mackey takes Evans’ place on the depth chart as backup to Montae Pate. Pate, Evans, Ishaan Daniels and Tre Parks-Vinson all took plenty of snaps as last week’s cornerback two-deep.

Expected difference-maker Sione Hala missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, but the junior linebacker is still down as the starting weakside linebacker. Mental says all intentions are that Hala will be ready to play Saturday at Arizona.

The linebacker crew will remain somewhat thin, however. Mental said sophomore Aidan O’Callaghan and junior Raimoana Tinirauarii are out through at least the nonconference schedule, but should return soon thereafter.

Sophomore offensive lineman Zoom Esplin traveled to JMU but did not take the field; last year’s starter at right tackle continues to work back to action following injury in camp, and sophomore Trevor Beck is listed to start for a second week.

TURNING PAGE TO ARIZONA

The Wildcats hope to improve from a 45-10 loss at James Madison but must do so against Arizona out of the Big 12. The red-and-blue Wildcats suppressed Hawaii in a 40-6 decision last week.

“Any inclination from today, I thought they practiced really well. It was physical,” Mental said after Tuesday’s practice. “I thought we got back to who we were a little bit.

“We’ve got to start faster. Obviously, you can’t spot somebody 28 and then not move the ball offensively, not play well on special teams. But it’s good to get that on film, good to coach off of and demand more of these guys.”