Temple's Walker learning to play with separated shoulder

Running is part of P.J. Walker's game, but it hasn't been lately.

During Temple's 49-10 win over Tulane at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, the junior quarterback took off a few times on designed runs.

It's been known that one of Walker's shoulders has been less than 100 percent, and coach Matt Rhule provided more insight after the game.

"He separated his shoulder in the Penn State game," Rhule said, not indicating which shoulder it is. "The last couple of games we were afraid to run him."

The doctors said Walker could play, according to Rhule, but that didn't mean it wouldn't hurt after he took hits.

"He's a tough kid," Rhule said.

Walker showed that toughness while taking a few big hits against Tulane.

"What people don't understand about P.J. is that when he is hit, he becomes a better player," Rhule said.

While discussing his shoulder, Walker has downplayed the situation.

"I don't even think of it anymore, and I just go out and play," Walker said. "I don't take anything for it, and it is getting better each week."

So is Walker's play.

Against Tulane, he completed 11 of 15 passes for 183 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has completed 78 of 126 passes for 914 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions this year for the 5-0 Owls. Walker has not thrown an interception in four of the five games.

One thing that the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Walker is doing better is not forcing plays. He admitted last year he tried to do too much and wound up throwing 15 interceptions along with 13 touchdown passes. He had 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions as a freshman.

"When I have the opportunity to make plays, I make them," Walker said. "We have so many guys who can make plays on this team."

This year, Walker has completed 61.9 percent of his passes, improved from last year's 53.4 percent.

"I think P.J. is being really accurate with the ball and making good decisions," Rhule said. "He is protecting the football and running it when he has to."

Most of all, he has done what is needed to physically withstand the injury.

"It has been getting better and better," he said. "I have to keep doing everything I am doing and keep protecting it and do all the smart things."