Locker banged up, but says he’ll play

SEATTLE – His ribs are tender from shots he took against Oregon State and a thigh bruise won’t go away. But Jake Locker has no plans on resting.

Locker said Monday he definitely would be playing Saturday when the Huskies entertain No. 13 Stanford, despite a growing list of ailments that has limited what Washington coach Steve Sarkisian can do with his quarterback.

“Hopefully, I get to run around a little bit this week and get feeling a little bit better, and then we’re able to do what we’re accustomed to doing,” Locker said.

The Huskies (3-4, 2-2 Pac-10) could use their quarterback as close to full strength as possible as they face a ranked opponent for a third straight week.

Locker was slowed two weeks ago against Arizona State by his bruised thigh and by an illness. He recovered well enough to be full-go and used both running and passing a week later in the Huskies’ 35-34 double overtime upset of then-No. 24 Oregon State.

But at some point during the win, Locker took a shot to his ribs that left them bruised and extremely sore. Sarkisian said Monday that Locker does not have any broken ribs, but that his play calling against Arizona was hampered by his desire to keep Locker from taking any extra hits.

“Ultimately, as much as I want them to perform and to play well, I want them to be healthy,” Sarkisian said.

Asked if Locker’s ailments continue, what would prompt a change to redshirt freshman Keith Price at quarterback, Sarkisian said, “If I don’t think Jake gives us the best chance to win.”