River Cracraft signs with the 49ers, while Andre Dillard’s season comes to an end

While we won’t be able to watch our beloved Washington State Cougars this fall, the NFL is moving full speed ahead, which gives us a chance to watch some former Cougs. Two of them received some big news this past week, though only one of them received good news.

First the good: River Cracraft continues his quest to make it in the NFL and signed with the San Francisco 49ers this week after a tryout. As you might remember, Cracraft suffered a brutal knee injury his senior season at WSU and went undrafted as he rehabbed. He persevered, and was on and off the Denver Broncos roster for a few seasons. He appeared in eight games in 2018 and had one reception for 44 yards and 12 punt returns for 40 yards.

Here’s his one reception:

The kid won’t quit, nor should he. Here’s hoping he can stick with the NFC Champions. It’d make for quite the story.

Now for the bad news. Andre Dillard, expected to be among the key players on the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line, went down with a bicep injury on Thursday and is out for the season. Just a brutal turn of events for the second-year tackle. Here’s hoping he can rehab and come back in 2021.

So there’s your Saturday update on some NFL Cougs. I’m looking forward to seeing some football on TV this fall. Speaking of which.....

College Football Kicks Off Today

Austin Peay takes on Central Arkansas in some FCS action at 6 p.m. PST on ESPN. Who ya got?

Don’t Miss This Bryan Blair First-Person Account

Opinion I College Athletics: Where Do We Go From Here?
Bryan B. Blair, the deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer for Washington State, unpacks the power of sports.

Links

Nick Rolovich, Washington State hit Texas again for 17th commitment | The Spokesman-Review
Nick Rolovich and his staff returned to one of the country's most fertile recruiting areas to pick up Washington State's 17th commitment in the 2021 class.

Report: Ex-Washington State standout Andre Dillard out for season after bicep injury | The Spokesman-Review
Andre Dillard, the former Washington State offensive tackle who was selected with the 22nd overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft and played in every game of his rookie season, won’t suit up for the Philadelphia Eagles this fall after suffering a bicep injury during training camp Thursday.

Former Washington State receiver River Cracraft agrees to deal with San Francisco | The Spokesman-Review
One day after reports surfaced indicating the San Francisco 49ers were interested in River Cracraft following a successful workout at the team’s facility in Santa Clara, California, the former Washington State wide receiver signed with the reigning NFC champions.