Purdue’s first availability report for Saturday night’s Big Ten opener in Pasadena brings a mixed bag, but the biggest headline is simple: defensive back Mister Clark is out for the trip to UCLA.
Clark, who played in Purdue’s season opener against Indiana State on Sept. 4, led the Boilermakers with five tackles in that game. Every one of them was a solo stop, and he also chipped in two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass defended. He did not suit up last week against Wake Forest, and now he’s officially unavailable again.
The Boilermakers also have left tackle Joey Tanona listed as doubtful and defensive end Elo Modozie marked questionable. Tanona was expected to open the year as Purdue’s starting left tackle, but an injury in fall camp has kept the veteran lineman out through the first two games. Sophomore Nuku Mafi has handled the spot in his absence.
Modozie has played in both of Purdue’s games this season, though he has yet to record a stat. He joined the program after the 2025 season at Georgia.
There are more absences on the report, too. Defensive back Raderrion Daniels and tight end Kylan Fox are both out, though that was already expected. Head coach Barry Odom said early in fall camp that both players are likely to miss the entire 2026 campaign because of knee injuries.
Purdue did get some encouraging news on Wednesday night. Tight end George Burhenn and starting offensive lineman Brock Brownfield were not included on the report, which points to a possible return for both against the Bruins.
Burhenn exited the second half of Saturday’s game against Wake Forest. Before leaving, he caught two passes for 17 yards, including a 14-yard reception. In the opener against Indiana State, he finished with two catches for 43 yards.
Brownfield, meanwhile, missed most of the Wake Forest game after suffering an undisclosed injury and did not return.
Kickoff between Purdue and UCLA is set for 11 p.m. ET, with the game airing on Big Ten Network.
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