Ethan Garbers injury update: DeShaun Foster gives latest on UCLA QB

After missing the end of their last game, Ethan Garbers wants to be back this weekend according to DeShaun Foster.

Foster shared the latest on Garbers during his media availability on Monday. He said that he’s unsure yet if the Bruins’ quarterback will be available at Penn State on Saturday. However, if you were to ask him yourself, he says that he’ll be ready by kickoff in Happy Valley.

“Um, maybe, you know,” said Foster following a long pause.

“When I talked to Ethan, he told me he was playing,” Foster added. “So I would – unless we hold him out, you know, he’s going to try to get out there and play.”

As for how they’ll handle him this week, Foster said that they want him to get some rest in. That’s a positive in two ways as it allows him to get healthier over the coming days while also giving opportunities in practice to their backup just in case it’s him who has to play this weekend against the Nittany Lions.

“He’s out here but I would rather him rest today,” said Foster. “Just to give Justyn (Martin) a couple more reps. Just to make sure just in case if Ethan isn’t available.”

In four games for UCLA, Garbers is 67-117 (57.3%) for 808 yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions. In the 34-13 loss to Oregon this past weekend, he was 12-20 (60%) for 118 yards while throwing two of those picks and being sacked four times before leaving.

After coming in as the reserve, Martin completed one of his four passes for seven yards.

Garbers wants to be back for their first road game in conference play at Beaver Stadium. Still, Foster and the team will be taking note of his availability over the next few days before heading out east.

“He’s in good spirits and, you know, I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do later on in the week,” said Foster.