Arizona State QB Taylor Kelly Injury Update

Senior quarterback Taylor Kelly missed Arizona State's 62-27 loss to UCLA on Thursday and early indications are the Kelly will not be available to play against USC this Saturday.

Kelly, a three-year starter, injured his right ankle in the Sun Devils' 38-24 victory over Colorado two weeks ago. He has been on crutches and wearing a walking boot since.

According to azcentral sports ASU beat writer Doug Haller, Kelly was still in that protective boot and using crutches when he arrived at Sunday's practice.

Haller did report that Taylor Kelly did some light throwing on the side during the practice. Arizona State head coach Todd Graham called Kelly's status "pretty questionable" for Saturday, saying Kelly will be re-examined on Wednesday.

Graham also said that Kelly has been running and doing exercises in the pool.

But running in a pool and throwing on the side while in a boot is not a good sign for Kelly being available in less than a week. Even if Taylor Kelly is available, an injured ankle will at least partially negate one of Kelly's most dynamic features as a dual-threat quarterback.

On top of throwing for 6,674 yards the last two seasons, Kelly has also rushed for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the first three games this season, Kelly had already run for 168 yards and two scores on 18 carries (8.8 avg).

If Taylor Kelly is unavailable, junior Mike Bercovici will make his second career start. He started against UCLA and played good but not great. Bercovici threw for 488 yards and three touchdowns on 42-for-68 passing, but he also tossed two interceptions, including the game-changing 95-yard pick-six just before halftime.