This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

There is the possibility that freshman Chuckie Keeton can receive playing time on Saturday, when Utah State takes on New Mexico State.

Keeton hasn't seen playing time since he was hurt against Hawaii. He has suited up the last two weeks, but hasn't received any snaps, as Adam Kennedy has taken all the reps, with a little Stanley Morrison sprinkled here and there.

The reason hasn't all been tied to Kennedy's success. Rather, Keeton hasn't looked ready in practice. That's changed.

"This week is the first week that me and (quarterbacks coach) Matt Wells thought that he's looked like he can play," offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said. "Last week we thought we could play him in an emergency basis. He's looked much better than he has."

Baldwin said that while Keeton has recovered physically from the brutal hit that caused him to be carried off the field against Hawaii on a stretcher, he hadn't quite recovered mentally.

"He's young," Baldwin said. "It takes a little bit to come back from that. But we're going to play him if the situation warrants it. I like the idea of having New Mexico State having to prepare for two guys."

Tony Jones