Locker gets week off to rest injury

HUSKIES: Deep thigh bruise suffered against Oregon probably won’t keep QB out vs. UCLA

RYAN DIVISH; The News Tribune | • Published October 29, 2009

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SEATTLE - Initially, the plan was to give Jake Locker this week off to relax and recuperate from three months of football, including eight weeks of physically taxing, emotionally exhausting and mentally draining games.

But this week’s rest came more out of necessity than out of courtesy when it was revealed that Locker suffered a deep bruise to his right thigh late in the first quarter of Washington’s 43-19 loss to Oregon on Saturday.

Locker has not participated in practice during the bye week. He’s been there doing some drills and stretches and playing catch. Wednesday’s practice was his most active. He actually took a few short dropbacks and fired passes to injured running back Brandon Yakaboski.

“I’ve gotten some good rest,” Locker said.

But this wasn’t the type of rest Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian had in mind. This is forced rest because of the injury. Sarkisian noted that had the Huskies played this week there was a good chance Locker might not have been able to play.

“Well, he hasn’t been able to practice,” Sarkisian said. “He would have struggled through (Wednesday’s) practice. It would have been tough on him. And tomorrow, he might have got some stuff done, but I doubt he could really play Saturday if we had to play.”

Locker insisted he would’ve been OK.

Still, Locker was moving somewhat gingerly at times, and even limping at times, but Sarkisian thinks he’ll be ready for next Saturday’s game with UCLA.

“It’s just a deep thigh bruise,” Sarkisian said. “With time, with rest and with treatment those things can heal. I’m not as concerned, but we’ll assess it on Sunday night.”

The hit that led to the injury came on a third-and-2 play as Locker ran for 3 yards to get a first down.

“I think it was a helmet that got me,” said Locker, who believed the injury was minor.

However, Sarkisian said Locker’s injury was a big enough deal that it inhibited some of the coach’s play calls, specifically any runs designed for Locker.

“It sure did affect it,” Sarkisian said. “If you notice, the rest of the game there weren’t any real designed quarterback runs.”

Sarkisian said he simply didn’t think Locker could run like he normally does.

Locker tried to downplay that as a reason.

“I had a little bit of limp,” Locker said. “It was just tight. I felt it obviously. But I don’t think it altered the way I played the game.”

On a fourth-and-goal play in the second quarter, Locker had a run-pass option play and elected to throw it instead of running, eventually tossing an interception.

“I tried to run, but I just couldn’t get to the corner,” he said. “Maybe I was a little slower, who knows. I didn’t make it for one reason or another.”

Extra points

Anthony Boyles worked out for the second day at cornerback, even seeing snaps with the first team defense in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. He looks almost out of place at cornerback because he’s so tall at 6-foot-3. “He kind of reminds you of the recent history of the Oregon State guys that were at the corner spot,” Sarkisian said. “He’s very intriguing there.” … Sophomore safety Alvin Logan worked at weakside linebacker during practice. “We’re trying to find a way to keep getting faster, so we can be a more athletic football team,” Sarkisian said. … Backup center/guard Mykenna Ikehara banged his left knee on the ground during Monday’s practice and it swelled up. He will be re-evaluated on Sunday. … Also missing practice were linebacker E.J. Savannah and defensive end Kalani Aldridge. … Offensive lineman Greg Christine had surgery to repair an injured ankle and Sarkisian said he hopes Christine will be ready by spring ball.

Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483

ryan.divish@thenewstribune.com