Locker returned to the sidelines with 3:18 left in the game wearing a neck brace. All tests for a neck injury on the quarterback were negative, said Oregon State spokesman Steve Fenk, and he will return to Seattle with the team.

"From what we can tell, we are calling it a neck sprain," Washington coach Ty Willingham said. "We will look over the next few days to see how intensive the injury is. We felt confident after talking with the doctors that the injury was not permanent."

The sophomore quarterback, who has started every game this year, was scrambling on a third-down play when he was hit by Oregon State safety Al Afalava, a former Kahuku athlete.

Locker stayed down for several minutes and was attended to by emergency workers. He didn't appear to be moving. He was then put on a stretcher and was lifted into the ambulance to be taken to a hospital.

Known for his scrambling ability, Locker entered the game with 791 yards rushing, second in the nation among quarterbacks.

Oregon State won, 29-23.