FAU offense could get boost from return of injured back, receiver

Florida Atlantic wide receiver DeAndre Richardson, who led the Owls with 32 catches in 2011, could see his first action of the season Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe.

Richardson underwent ankle surgery shortly after being injured in spring practice.

“DeAndre Richardson is taking snaps for the first time and looking really healthy,” Owls coach Carl Pelini said. “He’s not 100 percent probably, but has a legitimate shot at playing this week.”

Richardson, a red-shirt junior, had 269 yards receiving last season, which was second on the team.

Richardson’s return would be a boost to the Owls’ receiving corps that is not very deep.

Last week’s open date also gave some other players who had minor injuries a chance to get better, Pelini said.

Most notably, running back Jonathan Wallace, who has been slowed by a sore hamstring since preseason training camp, is looking better, Pelini said.

“Wallace looks really fast,” Pelini said.