Colorado football has been without starting offensive lineman Savion Washington for three weeks as the graduate student has been sidelined with an injury. Ahead of a huge road game against UCLA this Saturday, Colorado may be getting Washington back along their offensive front.

Head coach Deion Sanders said that Washington practiced on Tuesday and is one of the toughest players he's coached.

“He looks good. I don't know if he made it through the whole practice but he did what we set out to do,” Sanders said, via Adam Munsterteiger. “That kid is tough… mentally physically… he's a dawg. He's a future pro. He's one of the kids I am very fond of. I just love his story and what he represents for us. Can't wait to see him back. Helps us tremendously on the line.”

Washington missed two games in which the Colorado went 1-1. The Buffaloes topped Arizona State 27-24 before blowing a 29-0 halftime lead against Stanford in an overtime loss on Oct. 13. Colorado had a bye last week to reflect a little longer on the loss and prepare for a grueling final five games that features three road games and three contests against current top-25 opponents.

Deion Sanders and crew will need all the help they can get as they try to qualify for a bowl game, something Colorado football hasn’t done in a full season since 2016. Getting Savion Washington back to help protect Shedeur Sanders will be huge for the Buffaloes.

Colorado football is 17-point underdogs to the 23rd-ranked UCLA Bruins.