Will Pettis suffered a back injury in Saturday's win over Grand Rapids.

IRVING, Texas - When Desperados standout Will Pettis is on the field, it doesn't take long to see how productive he can be.

And when he's not out there, it's even more apparent.

The Desperados are preparing for Saturday's game against Arizona as if Pettis will not be in uniform after suffering a back injury last week that has kept him out of practice the last two days.

Desperados head coach Will McClay said Pettis will be a game-time decision, but is already making contingency plans if his star player is not available.

"We'll see how he feels," McClay said. "But if he's not out there, we're going to have to have other guys step up."

And yes, that's plural, as in maybe even three different players to fill the void left by Pettis.

As the team's leader in receptions (73), Pettis will likely be replaced by Andrae Thurman, who has played in three games this year, mostly because of a broken hand injury suffered in Week One.

The Desperados will also use Josh Bush, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury for the last two months. Bush can also help replace Pettis on kickoff returns. Pettis leads the team with 43 returns for 741 yards.

And if that's not enough, Pettis is the team's most diligent two-way player, playing nearly half the game on defense, too.

McClay said if Pettis can't play this week, the Desperados would likely call on defensive back Bobby Keyes, who has played in just four games this season, including three starts.

While Pettis said he is unsure if he will play Saturday, he doesn't expect it to be a lingering injury.

"If this were the playoffs, I'd be out there," said Pettis, who injured his back while jumping up to catch a kickoff. "It's just an uncomfortable thing. I don't want it to get worse. So we'll see what happens this week. But I don't think it's going to be big problem."

Pink Out Saturday

The Desperados have declared Saturday's home game at Arizona a "Pink Out" in an effort to celebrate Mother's Day and raise breast cancer awareness with support of the Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Foundation56 - the charitable initiative of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James.

The team is encouraging all fans to wear pink in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Foundation56.

James and Foundation 56 are scheduled to have an active participation in the game's promotional elements. James founded Foundation56 in 2007 to provide funds and resources desperately needed to expand the existing services and outreach efforts to the underserved. Foundation56 partners with established organizations and agencies, like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in order to fill the gaps in services that currently exist.

James will join a breast cancer survivor from the Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in serving as the Desperados "honorary captains" for the pre-game coin toss. After the toss, the Komen Dallas survivor will be presented with the authentic pink game ball used in the opening kick off in honor of all cancer survivors in attendance at the game.

Other scheduled game day elements include: the "Pink Out"; giveaways of Foundation56 T-shirts; sign-up opportunities on the concourse for the Komen Dallas Race for the Cure in October and the raffle of a team autographed authentic pink game ball for patrons who register for the Komen Dallas Race for the Cure during the game.