Linebackers Dillon Sherman and Dominick Silvels, running back Clay Markoff absent for Washington State’s first road game

HOUSTON – Washington State will have to make do without a few key reserves tonight in the Advocare Texas Kickoff against Houston.

Inside linebackers Dillon Sherman and Dominick Silvels didn’t travel to Texas with the Cougars, and backup running back Clay Markoff also didn’t make the first road trip of the season.

Sherman left WSU’s last game against Northern Colorado with a first-half injury and didn’t return. The redshirt junior is the Cougars’ top backup at both the “Mike” and “Will” linebacker positions, though he primarily plays behind Justus Rogers at “Mike.”

Silvels moved from “Rush” linebacker to middle linebacker this fall, but hasn’t appeared at or attended either of WSU’s first two games due to “personal issues,” according to head coach Mike Leach.

Leach anticipated those issues could be resolved by Friday, but told The Spokesman-Review last Saturday, “I’m not sure. I don’t know yet.”

The status of Markoff is unknown, and the converted fullback played for WSU in last week’s game against Northern Colorado.

Markoff, one of two primary backups for sophomore Max Borghi along with junior college transfer Deon McIntosh, has eight carries for 24 yards this season.

Before his injury, Sherman had seven tackles in two games for the Cougars and was credited with a half-sack against New Mexico State.