Cornerback Shaquille Richardson is expected to play on Saturday against Colorado after missing Arizona’s last game with an ankle injury, secondary coach Ryan Walters said Tuesday.

Richardson saw limited reps in Tuesday’s practice, and Walters said Richardson’s role is expected to grow as the week progresses. The sophomore corner is Arizona’s leader with three interceptions, including one returned for a score.

“Obviously, it’s a little bit tender but it wasn’t a serious ankle injury,” Walters said. “He’s working hard to get back and I’m confident he’ll be able to go on Saturday.”

Walters said there isn’t a number of practices or reps that he wants to see Richardson get before he gets game reps.

“I just go with how he’s looking fatigue-wise,” Walters said. “I can tell when he’s hobbling, when he’s going 100 miles an hour. The minute he’s not going 100 miles an hour or he’s slow out of a break, that’s when you just shut him down and let him recuperate.”

Criner working his way back

After missing much of Saturday’s game against Utah with a sprained knee — an injury originally suffered on Oct. 8 against Oregon State — wide receiver Juron Criner is working his way back in practice.

“He’s getting there,” receivers coach Dave Nichol said. “He’s just kind of nicked up right now. Hopefully we’ll be able to get him doing more and more in practice this week.”

Criner leads Arizona with 50 catches for 607 yards and eight touchdowns.

The senior wideout has had an injury-plagued season. After missing two games early in the season following an appendectomy, Criner has battled hand and knee issues, causing him to miss chunks of game action.

Nichol said Criner was as healthy as he had been all season heading into the Utah game, but health can’t always be counted on in football.

“It’s kind of the way it goes,” Nichol said.