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Washington’s Dante Pettis leaves Apple Cup with left leg injury

Washington’s Dante Pettis celebrates with teammates after his 64-yard punt-return touchdown against Oregon in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Seattle on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Pettis holds the NCAA record for punt returns for touchdowns with nine. (Bettina Hansen / Associated Press)

SEATTLE – Washington lost standout receiver/punt returner Dante Pettis to an injury about midway through the first quarter in Saturday’s Apple Cup.

Pettis had a pair of receptions for 15 yards on UW’s first possession as the Huskies marched 75 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Washington’s defense forced a Washington State punt that sailed 55 yards and Pettis was immediately tackled by Kyle Celli.

Pettis remained down on the field for a few minutes and was helped off with the assistance of two trainers, putting very little weight on his left leg.

Pettis holds the NCAA record for career punt returns for touchdowns with nine. He set the mark with a 64-yarder against Oregon earlier this month. He leads the country in punt return average at 20.5.

Washington’s receiving unit has been decimated by injuries this season. Pettis leads the team with 62 catches, 40 more than Hunter Bryant’s 22.

Pettis is tied with Kasen Williams for fourth on UW’s all-time receptions list with 162.