Oregon State is listing starting quarterback Braden Atkinson as doubtful for Saturday's showdown at No. 24 Boise State, according to the initial Pac-12 availability report released Wednesday night.
Maddux Madsen, the starting QB for the Broncos, is listed as questionable.
Atkinson, a sophomore, leads the nation in passing yards (3,169) and total offense (351.3) for coach JaMarcus Shephard. He is also No. 4 in touchdown passes (25), while throwing only three interceptions.
Atkinson has been dealing with a hand injury sustained in Oregon State's 42-21 loss to Texas State last weekend. Senior Maalik Murphy replaced him, completing 5 of 7 passes for 75 yards with an interception.
Atkinson transferred to Oregon State from Mercer and has thrived under coordinator Mitch Dahlen, throwing for more than 400 yards three different times this season. And he's set to be back with the Beavers in 2027, with sources telling ESPN's Pete Thamel earlier this week that he already has signed a deal to return.
Madsen, a senior, left Boise State's game against Texas State two weeks ago because of a knee injury and then sat out its 64-38 win over Colorado State last weekend. Junior Max Cutforth has filled in during his absence, leading a comeback win over Texas State and then the rout of Colorado State.
Speaking earlier Wednesday, Broncos coach Spencer Danielson told "The Jim Rome Show" that Madsen had taken part in practices this week and the team feels "really good" about where the QB is at ahead of Saturday's game.
Oregon State (5-4, 3-2 Pac-12) is tied for second place in the Pac-12. Boise State (8-1, 5-0) is in first place.
