San Diego State running back Juwan Washington, who ranks fifth nationally in rushing yardage, is expected to be sidelined for six weeks with a fractured clavicle, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday.
X-rays did not reveal any break, but an MRI showed the fracture.
Washington was injured in the second quarter of SDSU’s 23-20 overtime win against Eastern Michigan on Saturday night at SDCCU Stadium. Washington had 12 carries for 61 yards in the first half against the Eagles, but he remained on the sidelines wearing a sling in the second half.
He came into the game as the nation’s fourth-leading rusher with 150.7 yards a game. For the season Washington has rushed 99 times for 513 yards, which ranks fifth.
The Aztecs are 3-1, including a victory over Arizona State when the Sun Devils were ranked. San Diego State was picked to finish second in the West Division of the Mountain West in a preseason poll.
SDSU has a bye this week before opening Mountain West play Oct. 6 at Boise State. If Washington misses five games over the next six weeks, he could return for the final three games — at home against UNLV, at Fresno State and at home against Hawaii.
In Washington’s absence, Chase Jasmin becomes the starter at running back. Jasmin has rushed for 233 yards and averages 5.4 yards per carry.