An already disappointing season for UCLA is getting worse. When it will get better -- if it will -- remains to be seen.
On Monday, coach Jim Mora confirmed what many could essentially see for themselves: that quarterback Josh Rosen has a nerve problem in his throwing shoulder. The timetable for his return is unknown.
#UCLA QB Josh Rosen is dealing with a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder, coach Jim Mora finally acknowledged.
— Dan Greenspan (@DanGreenspan) October 24, 2016
Once the nerve starts firing again, Mora said, Rosen should be back to normal. However, no idea or timetable when that could happen.
— Dan Greenspan (@DanGreenspan) October 24, 2016
The sophomore missed the last two games against Washington State and Utah dealing with what was publicly an unknown injury. Mora has been scarce on specifics regarding Rosen and said after the Utah game only that he was "not worried about Josh."
Rosen, who initially injured his leg and throwing shoulder against Arizona State earlier this month, was clearly bothered by his shoulder during warm-ups of the Week 8 game against Utah. Senior backup Mike Faful has started the last two games -- against Washington State and Utah, both losses -- and thrown for 722 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
On the year, Rosen has 1,915 yards, 10 touchdowns and five picks. UCLA, 3-5, travels to Colorado for its next game. With the Buffaloes reaching bowl eligibility, the Bruins could drop to 3-6 on the season, making their own postseason hopes a longshot at best.
This is the same Bruins team that was picked in the preseason to win the Pac-12 South -- and was even given a few votes to win the conference. However, an opening week loss at Texas A&M was only the beginning of the troubles. Rosen struggled even when healthy thanks in part to poor pass protection and wide receiver drops.
Four of UCLA's five losses have come by a touchdown or less, and the 22-13 loss to Stanford had a larger gap because of a Solomon Thomas fumble return for a touchdown as time expired.
