UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: WALKER BACK ON STARTING LINE.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Senior linebacker Wesley Walker is working out with UCLA's second-team defense and will make his season debut Saturday against Washington.

Walker, a starter last season, missed the first three games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in August, and his return could help solidify UCLA's outside linebacker spot. The Bruins have rotated Bruce Davis, John Hale and Aaron Whittington.

``It's tough, especially seeing three guys rotate at a spot where I feel like I should be playing,'' said Walker, who made 11 starts last season. ``They're getting production, but seeing them rotate, I know that they miss having me out there. I'm sure. So it makes me a little more anxious to play.''

Walker, who is 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, said he was healthy to play Sept. 17 against Oklahoma but needed to brush up on his tackling and pass coverage. He said he was able to do that during UCLA's bye week.

``Physically, I think I'm ready,'' Walker said. ``My knee doesn't swell. I get a little pain, but you have to play with a little pain in football. ... I could definitely be a factor in the game now, but it might not be my full potential.''

Walker, who tied for fourth on UCLA with 57 tackles in 2004, said he spoke with Bruins coach Karl Dorrell and defensive coordinator Larry Kerr about redshirting earlier this month. That seems unlikely since the plan is to play Walker against the Huskies.

``He's getting enough reps where I feel comfortable to put him in a game and let him go play and try to get some of the rust off and let him get back into the swing of things,'' Kerr said. ``Game time will really tell, and he'll get his opportunity to show where he is in this game Saturday. He'll play.''

--Olson reassesses plan: UCLA backup quarterback Ben Olson said Tuesday's practice was his best since returning from a broken hand, but he admitted the strong play of starter Drew Olson forced him to reassess how his season will unfold.

Ben Olson said he realized he would serve more as a traditional backup, rather than a backup who plays at least a series or two a game.

``I think Drew's playing well, so you've got to ride that hot hand while you can,'' he said. ``I completely understand. In my own selfish desires, I'd love to be playing, of course, but the most important thing is we win. I'm happy for Drew.''

Before it was learned Ben Olson broke his hand in training camp, Dorrell said UCLA would devise game plans with the idea of getting his highly-touted, redshirt freshman playing time. It now appears Ben Olson will play only in blowout situations.

``If we can get a chance to play Ben, we'd like that opportunity,'' Dorrell said. ``But if we can't, we can't. We'll see.''

--Also: Linebacker Justin London (hamstring), tight end Ryan Moya (toe) and defensive tackle Chase Moline (hip flexor) were nicked in practice but are expected to play. ... Receiver Matt Slater practiced for the first time without a brace on his injured leg, which could enable him to be UCLA's sixth receiver against the Huskies.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com