SEATTLE (AP) - One awkward fall by Washington quarterback Jake Locker added another notch of anguish to Washington's already miserable 2008 season.

Now the Huskies' chances of avoiding their first 0-5 start in 39 years lies with a redshirt freshman who has never started a college game.

Locker will be out for up to eight weeks after breaking his right thumb in last Saturday's 35-28 loss to Stanford. He was injured throwing a block in front of a 27-yard reverse run by wide receiver Jordan Polk. In replays, the injury appeared to happen when Locker's hand hit the ground.

Locker had surgery Monday morning to repair the fracture.

"Obviously, I think it's a huge loss," coach Tyrone Willingham said Monday as he announced that Ronnie Fouch would run the offense until Locker returns. "He adds so much to our team in so many ways. His presence, his running skills, what he's done for us in the passing game. It's a loss. But we're very confident in Ronnie Fouch."

Willingham announced Locker's initial timetable as being sidelined for six to eight weeks, meaning Locker could be back taking snaps before the end of the season. Six weeks would have Locker available in time for the Huskies' Nov. 15 game against UCLA. A full eight-week recovery would get Locker back in time for the season finale Dec. 6 at California.

There remains a scenario that would see Locker back on the field much sooner. Locker was an all-state defensive back in high school and is Washington's leading rusher this season with 180 yards and three touchdowns on 56 carries.

Willingham didn't dismiss the possibility of Locker returning at a new position until he's healthy enough to resume playing quarterback. But he didn't say when Locker might be ready to play at a different spot, or if he would even make the move. The likelihood is if Locker played a different position, it would be on Washington's beleaguered defense.

"It is possible. I couldn't tell you where right now," Willingham said. "But I've said and I think others have said he is a tremendous athlete, and the ability to play five, six, seven different positions exists. ... What the other timetables are I don't know and I wouldn't even guess at those."

When asked if he dared risk Locker to additional punishment at another position, Willingham noted that Locker was hurt on a play where the only contact his hand made was with the ground.

"You always run that risk. On the play he got hurt on that was an extra effort play," Willingham said.

"He'll be willing to do anything he can to help the football team be successful and win."

The Huskies' offense is likely to see a drastic change with Fouch running the show.

Fouch is an adequate runner, but isn't a threat like Locker, who set a modern Pac-10 record for yards rushing by a quarterback last season. He is a more conventional passer, who hit on 13 of 27 attempts for 186 yards and a touchdown in relief against Stanford. He also directed a 95-yard touchdown drive in the closing minutes, capped with a 1-yard touchdown dive to pull Washington within 35-28 with 1:25 left. The ensuing onside kick went out of bounds and Stanford ran out the clock.

"I'm the type of guy that if we lose a game, I put the blame on myself," Fouch said. "Whenever we lose I feel like it's my fault. I put the blame on myself for losing and I want to go out against Arizona and do whatever to help this team win."

The change to Fouch is causing some scrambling for Arizona coach Mike Stoops. During last week's bye, the Wildcats were preparing to face Locker.

"That plan has gone out the window," Stoops said. Notes: WR D'Andre Goodwin (ribs) and LB Donald Butler (concussion) we're both listed as starters on the depth chart for Saturday's game at Arizona, but Willingham said that could change. X-rays on Goodwin's ribs were negative and his pain threshold will likely determine if he plays. Butler's concussion symptoms will be monitored closely during the week. ... Starting RB David Freeman injured both ankles against Stanford and his status is day-to-day.