When the Colorado Buffaloes take the field on Thursday night, they may be without their top rusher, freshman Christian Powell, as he is still questionable for action, according to CU head coach Jon Embree.

Powell suffered a hip bruise in a loss on Saturday to the UCLA Bruins and was held out of Monday practice, although Embree didn't rule out Tuesday's practice as a possibility.

In five games in 2012, Powell has gained 294 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns. Each of his three rushing touchdowns, as well as exactly half of his rushing yardage, came in a 30-28 loss to Sacramento State earlier in the season.

If Powell is unable to make the start on Thursday's nationally televised game, it is expected that sophomore Tony Jones will fill the role. Jones has recorded 181 yards rushing in 2012 and one touchdown, which came at the end of an 84-yard run in a 35-34 win over Washington State.