Huskies LB Azeem Victor, DB Austin Joyner Suspended for Season Opener

SEATTLE -- UW head coach Chris Petersen announced Monday senior linebacker Azeem Victor and redshirt sophomore defensive back Austin Joyner have been suspended for a violation of team rules.

Victor, who missed the final five games of the 2016 season including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl semi-final vs Alabama, is suspended just for week one at Rutgers. Joyner will miss the first two games of the season.

In addition to the suspensions, Petersen announced senior tight end David Ajamu will miss the entire 2017 season with a broken leg. Backup offensive lineman John Turner has medically retired heading into the season as well.

To replace Victor redshirt sophomore D.J. Beavers, who appeared in 12 games last season, is expected to get the start in his place. Beavers recorded 40 total tackles and one forced fumble in a backup role in 2016, and showed well this fall to emerge as a strong option for defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.

Joyner, a former four-star recruit out of Marysville-Pilchuck HS (Marysville, Wash.), has struggled to make a name for himself in his first two years at UW. The Huskies have a strong secondary this season, Petersen seeing only experience as the only issue.

"Depth isn't an issue," Petersen said, when asked if there is any concern with Joyner unavailable for week one.