Huskies’ Price to test shoulder today

SEATTLE — When he’s walking around campus — or, more likely, to the training room — Keith Price says he can’t even tell that his right shoulder is injured.

“It’s when I pick my arm up and try a throwing motion that I really feel the pain,” Washington’s fifth-year senior quarterback said after Wednesday’s practice.

Price hasn’t been doing much throwing this week. Hasn’t done any, actually. And that’s by design. The Huskies are giving Price, who injured his shoulder during Friday’s game against UCLA, as much rest as possible before testing his arm today. At some point after practice, head coach Steve Sarkisian will determine whether Price will be able to play Saturday at Oregon State (7:30 p.m., ESPN2).

If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Huskies have already tried this regimen this season, and it worked the first time: Price’s thumb was swollen prior to UW’s Oct. 26 game against California, and he didn’t throw much at practice that week until the Thursday before the game.

He was deemed game-ready. Then he went out and completed 20 of 32 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-17 victory.

This time, there is less certainty. The inflammation in Price’s shoulder was so severe immediately after the injury that he couldn’t move his shoulder well enough to throw a pass. The Huskies are hoping the pain has lessened enough that Price can play through it.

“He feels much better. He’s really improving every single day. I do know that,” Sarkisian said Wednesday. “I think it was a really good decision just to not allow him to throw. He hasn’t picked up a ball and thrown it Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

so we’ll see how it looks (today). But I really think it was a good decision by everybody involved just to cut out all the throwing. He’s taking all the reps in walk-throughs. He’s getting all that stuff done. He’s a fifth-year senior. He’s got a pretty good

grasp of our offense at this point.”

So instead of taking practice repetitions — those are going to backup Cyler Miles, who is preparing as if he will make his first career start — Price has been rehabilitating his shoulder at every opportunity.

“It’s ridiculous,” he said. “I’m in there for close to 3-4 hours a day, and today I might even come back for double treatment for my big day tomorrow.”

Price said other than his lack of throwing in practice, his preparation for OSU isn’t any different than a typical week. More film study, maybe.

“I’m treating it like any other week,” he said. “I’ve been watching crazy hours of film and getting treatment. That’s all I’ve pretty much been doing, is just watching crazy film and getting treatment. I still have a high belief I’m going to play. I’ve been rehabbing like I’m going to play. So hopefully I’m ready to go.”

If not, Miles says he’s ready to go, too. The redshirt freshman completed 15 of 22 passes against UCLA in his most extended

action of the season, throwing for two touchdowns in addition to two late interceptions.

“Obviously I’m excited, but it’s the same preparation, same amount of time we get each week,” Miles said. “But of course it’s a little feeling of anxiousness and excitement, but the preparation is the same.”

Miles prepared to play that game against California, too, but obviously didn’t start and only played sparingly in garbage time. If he does make the start in Corvallis, he’ll do so with a gameplan modeled specifically for his skill set.

“He’s a different player than Keith,” Sarkisian said. “So we have to tailor some things a little bit differently to him. But all in all, I think he can handle our offense, so I don’t think we have to minimize or do more with him. It’s just running our offense.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.