Washington RB Trey Cooley Sidelined by Shoulder Injury
The Huskies running back is expected to miss practice time but return to the field mid-week.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
Washington running back Trey Cooley is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during the team's 38-26 victory over Purdue. The injury occurred after a helmet-to-shoulder hit caused a fumble with 4:40 remaining in the game.
Why it matters
Cooley’s availability is a factor for the Huskies, as he has been a key contributor this season with 165 rushing yards. Managing his recovery from this new injury, which follows a prior AC sprain, will be critical for his status in the coming days.
Cooley recorded eight carries for 113 yards against Purdue, including a 53-yard touchdown run. This performance improved his season totals to 33 carries for 165 yards and one score.
The players
Trey Cooley
He is a 5-foot-11 running back for the University of Washington football team.
Jedd Fisch
He serves as the head coach for the Washington Huskies football program.
Ramzak Fruean
He is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound player for Washington who sustained an injury during the Purdue game.
DeSean Watts
He is a player for Washington who also sustained an injury during the game against Purdue.
The details
Trey Cooley, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back, exited the game after a tackler struck his shoulder, exacerbating a previous AC joint sprain. Teammates Ramzak Fruean and DeSean Watts also sustained unspecified injuries during the matchup.
Timeline
Friday, October 16, 2026: Cooley recorded 113 rushing yards against Purdue.
Monday, October 19, 2026: Coach Jedd Fisch briefed the media on injury statuses.
October 31, 2026: Ramzak Fruean is expected to return for the Nebraska game.
The Big Picture
This injury status update follows the established reporting patterns of the Washington Huskies football injury report protocols. These updates are essential for managing team depth and player availability throughout the college football season.
Trey Cooley’s temporary absence means Washington will likely rely on rotation adjustments during mid-week practices to maintain offensive depth. His status remains a watch item for fantasy players and analysts tracking the Huskies' ground game efficiency.
The takeaway
Maintaining player health through brief practice pauses is a standard recovery strategy for collegiate athletes managing recurring shoulder issues. Fans should monitor mid-week training updates to confirm Cooley's full participation before the next matchup.
What happens next
Ramzak Fruean is expected to be available for the upcoming game against Nebraska on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing season progress, visit the Seattle Football section.
