UCLA football: Quarterback Kevin Prince on track for return

UCLA moved a step closer to the return of quarterback Kevin Prince on Sunday, as the redshirt freshman had nearly all the rubber bands in his mouth removed. Prince suffered a broken jaw three weeks ago against Tennessee.

Prince will participate in non-contact drills until Wednesday, when he will have an X-ray. He could be ready for Saturday’s game against Oregon.

UCLA has split its two games since Prince was injured on a roll out in the end zone with the Bruins in control of the game against Tennessee on Sept. 12. He suffered fractures in two places.

Kevin Craft started the past two games, and was efficient enough in a 23-9 victory over Kansas State on Sept. 19. However, he was not able to rally the Bruins to victory in a 24-16 loss to Stanford on Saturday.

Prince began throwing more than a week ago and went through non-contact drills last week. He lost five pounds while his mouth was wired shut, but was able to run and lift light weights to remain in condition.

Prince has thrown for 277 yards and two touchdowns in two games this season. The Bruins won both games he started.

-- Chris Foster

Chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter.com/cfosterlatimes