Editor’s note: These items were filed by The Everett Herald’s Scott Johnson, who filled in at practice Thursday at Husky Stadium:

If practice can somehow guarantee the level of game-time performance, the Washington Huskies should be ready for their showdown Saturday against No. 12 Oregon.

“I thought it was a great week of work,” UW coach Steve Sarkisian said after practice Thursday. “I’m sure there’s a lot of concern about how we would respond, and our guys have responded with probably our best week of practice yet.”

The mood – the tension – this week has reminded me much of the week heading into the Southern California game. You know how that turned out – a 16-13 upset victory at Husky Stadium.

“We’re in, we’re out,” Sarkisian said. “Guys were moving fast.”

Other late-week stuff:

• The availability of defensive tackle Cameron Elisara (neck stinger) pretty much remains the same. He didn’t practice Thursday, and remains doubtful to play. Sarkisian has not officially ruled him out.

• Running back Curtis Shaw practiced again, but receiver Anthony Boyles remains out. With Jordan Polk (knee) also sidelined, it increased the chances that Cody Bruns will see extended time in the rotation as the No. 5 receiver.

Sarkisian, on Boyles: “He’s just not feeling well. I know what it’s like. I had to deal with it, and I know other people have dealt with it in other sports. You just aren’t quite right yet and ready to go.”

• Next week’s bye comes at a good time – eight games into a drama-filled season. Sarkisian was asked who would benefit the most.

“Jordan Polk is going to be the biggest one, just from the time off and being able to come back for that UCLA week. He’s the one that really jumps out,” the Huskies’ first-year coach said. “We just got a lot of other guys on the team that are nicked up. (They’re) playing through nicks and bumps and bruises and those are always great during bye week to kind of let heal. But Jordan I think will be the biggest one to get back.”