SEATTLE — It was a day of second chances for a pair of Husky football players. A day after being dismissed for the team for a violation of team rules, running back Willis Wilson and tight end Josh Perkins were back with the team and practicing.
“We gathered some more information on the situation and it felt like the right thing to do,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian, who didn’t specify what rules had been brooken, said the reinstatements were something the team also felt was right.
“We met with some of the team leaders … and they felt like it was the right thing to do,” he said.
Both players were heavily involved in practice working several reps with the No. 2 offense.
Wilson, a standout running back at Lakes, had a multitude carries and caught several passes out of the backfield. With the injury to Deontae Cooper, Wilson along with Dezden Petty are behind Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey, who are vying for the vacated starting tailback spot of Chris Polk.
With Austin Seferian-Jenkins getting a night off from team drills, Perkins and Alec Kimble, who was recently converted from defensive end to tight end, got several reps and often were pass targets in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. Perkins had a handful of catches, including a nice leaping grab of a pass from Cyler Miles.
“I think they are thankful for the opportunity to be back,” Sarkisian said. “And I think their teammates are happy to have them back.”
Surgeries for Johnson, Kearse
The Huskies will be without the services of wide receiver James Johnson and linebacker Jamaal Kearse for at least a month if not longer. Both players had surgeries on Friday on their respective injuries and will be out at least four to six weeks, according to Sarkisian.
Johnson, who was expected to start at wide receiver and be a major contributor, suffered a dislocated wrist on Wednesday. The surgery revealed torn ligaments in the wrist, which also were repaired.
Kearse had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his tibia. He started four games last season at linebacker and was a major contributor on special teams.
Extra points
Starting quarterback Keith Price got the night off from 11-on-11 drills. The first-team snaps went to redshirt freshman Derrick Brown. … Wide receiver Kevin Smith, who is recovering from offseason knee surgery, took several reps during 11-on-11 drills — the first time this season. Most of the plays were running plays, but Sarkisian said it was an important step for his recovery.
… Safety Justin Glenn sat out the fourth straight day with a concussion. Sarkisian said he likely will be ready to return on Monday. Fellow safety Shaq Thompson practiced fully and continued to make big plays. His latest was a one-hand interception on a tipped pass. … Sarkisian said the Huskies will scrimmage today in their practice.
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