Huskies’ starting RB Davis out for season with lower body injury

Washington running back Cameron Davis is out for the season after suffering a lower body injury last week during practice.

Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer made the announcement on Tuesday.

Davis, a 6-foot, 212-pound junior, ran for 522 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He would have had an expanded role for the 10th-ranked Huskies now that last year’s top rusher, Wayne Taulapapa, has moved on.

“Cam is a huge part of (the offense),” DeBoer told The Seattle Times. “It’s his second year in the system, works so hard, leads the right way, disciplined guy. He not only does a great job with the ball in his hands but in pass protection he knows everything inside and out.

“But we’ve got guys who have come into the program, guys who have already been here. It’s a competitive room, and guys are going to have opportunities to step up. We need that from them, and they will (step up). That’s what every football season brings, times of adversity. Our team is going to respond in a great way.”

Will Nixon and Mississippi State transfer Dillon Johnson likely will get more touches with Davis out.

When asked if Johnson — who missed much of the spring after reaggravating a knee injury — would be ready to carry the load, DeBoer said: “I definitely think so. He’s just trying to get his legs underneath him. We’ve ramped up practice and reps each week, and he’s in a good place right now, continuing to climb.”

DeBoer also said sophomore offensive lineman Gaard Memmelar will miss the season because of injury.

Washington opens the season at home against Boise State on Sept. 2.