Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is getting creative with responses to questions about quarterback Keith Price’s availability for Friday’s Apple Cup against Washington State (12:30 p.m., FOX Channel 13). After Wednesday morning’s practice, UW’s last in pads before kickoff, Sarkisian practically held a clinic on how to speak without saying much, though he acknowledged that Price “looked really good” splitting reps with backup Cyler Miles.
Practices are closed to the media.
“I thought he had a good practice today — both those guys had really good practices today,” Sarkisian said. “When the quarterbacks are throwing the ball and are accurate and the timing’s there and all that – that makes practice feel good too. I thought they both practiced well; we’ll see how Keith responds tomorrow. That’s always one of the keys to the thing with him, how he bounces back tomorrow.”
The short week means the Huskies have a “Thanksgiving dinner” tomorrow at 1 p.m., then practice at four.
If Price recovers well by Sarkisian’s standard, will he announce a starting quarterback on the second night of Hanukkah?
Probably not.
“He could sleep on it wrong or something Thursday night,” Sarkisian said. “That part is the challenge with this one. It’s not like a bruised shin or something where he’s just going to lay down and be fine. We’re going to monitor him.”
Price has been a statistical savant who has yet produce a 400-yard passing game in 2013. He is completing 64.8 percent of his throws, resulting in 19 touchdowns and four interceptions, but hasn’t seen game action since injuring his shoulder Nov. 15 at the end of the first half against UCLA.
Miles went 15 of 24 for 162 yards and a touchdown last week in a 69-27 road thumping against Oregon State and was composed in Pasadena the week prior in the 41-31 loss to the Bruins.
“The beauty of it is, Cyler’s practicing really well,” Sarkisian said. “He’s getting a lot of reps, so from a game-plan standpoint I think he’s got a really good understanding of it. When the ball kicks off and we take the field on offense, I’ll feel really good about either one of those guys going out and executing for us.”
Friday is Senior Night at Montlake, which means Price, whether he starts, splits time or watches from the sideline, will be among the honorees.
A message from his verified Twitter account Wednesday hinted he’s aiming to play one last game at Husky Stadium.
FINISH what you START!
— Keith Price (@KeithPrice17) November 27, 2013