The knee injury that will sideline Washington defensive end Hau'oli Jamora for the rest of the season not only deprives the Huskies of their most proven pass rusher, but also will result in some major shifting on UW's defensive front.

Jamora, a sophomore, injured his left knee in the first half of the Huskies' victory over California on Saturday when he was trying to avoid a hit, tearing his ACL.

"You turn the wrong way and the knee goes the other way, and that kind of stuff can happen," said UW coach Steve Sarkisian.

Jamora had started UW's past 11 games as the weakside end (the side opposite the tight end). His three tackles for loss were the most for any defensive lineman on a unit that has struggled to mount a consistent pass rush.

"It won't just be one guy," Sarkisian said of replacing Jamora. "It will be somewhat of a reshuffling, but guys reshuffling to positions they are accustomed to playing."

The Huskies had already made something of a shift in the line for the Cal game, moving Everrette Thompson from tackle to strongside end and inserting Sione Potoa'e at tackle in an attempt to find a more productive combination.

Sarkisian said Monday that Thompson will play even more at end. Redshirt freshman Josh Shirley is listed as the new starter, and Sarkisian said Talia Crichton, who started the first three games at strongside end, will move to the other side.

Sarkisian said Jamora should qualify for a redshirt season, meaning he would return next year with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Sarkisian seeking physical play on offensive line

While the UW offense has received plenty of praise — in contrast to the much-maligned defense — Sarkisian said he thinks there's plenty of room for improvement, especially up front.

"I didn't think we were nearly physical enough up front, especially on the right side of our line," he said.

Erik Kohler starts at right tackle and Colin Porter at right guard.

"We were passive, we were tentative," Sarkisian added. "I thought some guys that we were counting on to be dominant on the outside weren't dominant and that had some effects for us. And I thought we were hesitant at the tight end spot."

Price says knee improving

Quarterback Keith Price, answering the weekly Monday question about his knee, said he's improving.

"It's a lot better than last week," he said.

"I've just got to keep rehabbing it and keep treating it right."

Notes

• Sarkisian said there's a chance linebacker John Timu — who was taken off the field via ambulance with a neck injury Saturday — might be able to return to action this week.

• Cornerback Greg Ducre, who suffered a concussion Saturday, could return to full-contact action as soon as Wednesday.

• Sarkisian said Johri Fogerson appeared to escape significant injury when he hurt his knee Saturday and should be able to return soon, though there's no timetable.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com