Chris Owusu sidelined with concussion

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STANFORD, Calif. -- Chris Owusu has been ruled out for Stanford (No. 4 BCS, No. 3 AP) against Oregon on Saturday night while the wide receiver recovers from his latest concussion, and there's no telling when -- or if -- he'll be back on the field this season.

Stanford coach David Shaw said Tuesday that Owusu will not play against the Ducks (No. 7 BCS, No. 6 AP). He said the receiver's status for the rest of the season is still being evaluated by team doctors.

"We're still talking about what to do after this week, but he feels great right now," Shaw said. "He's in great spirits. As all competitors, he wants to play right now. That's not his decision right now. We're going to be overly cautious."

Owusu has had at least three concussions in the last 13 months.

He was taken from Reser Stadium by ambulance last Saturday after a helmet-to-helmet hit by Oregon State's Jordan Poyer. Owusu also was hit hard in the head by Southern California safety T.J. McDonald on Oct. 29.

The Pac-12 suspended McDonald for one half of USC's next game, at Colorado, for the hit.

Owusu also suffered what Shaw described as a "minor concussion" in a win at Washington State in mid-October. He was limited to seven games last year due to various injuries -- including at least one concussion. He has 35 catches for 376 yards and two touchdowns this season.

While Owusu's injury is a setback for Stanford, the Cardinal appear to be getting healthy in other areas of the roster.

Starting strong safety Delano Howell will be back after missing the last three games with a hand injury, Shaw said, and tight end Levine Toilolo is fine after sitting out the second half at Oregon State with an undisclosed injury. Shaw also is hopeful starting kicker Jordan Williamson, who missed the last two games with a leg injury, will return.

Tight end Zach Ertz is still "doubtful" against the Ducks with a right knee injury.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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