As the Jazz practiced for the first time since Williams was ruled out for at least two weeks with a second-degree sprain, Carlos Boozer reminded reporters Tuesday that "every guy in the gym has had a twisted ankle before" and that Williams was in good hands.

But Boozer's comments also suggested that Williams might be holding out hope that he could play in the Jazz's opener a week from today against Denver at EnergySolutions Arena. Williams was unavailable for comment.

"If he's not 100 percent for the first couple of games," Boozer said, "we're going to have to have some guys step up because that's a big loss for us if he can't play.

"He'll probably be able to play, obviously we need him to play, but if he can't, then we have to have some guys step up."

According to the Jazz's timetable, Williams would miss at least two games and possibly more. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, meanwhile, was asked about holding back Williams with an eye toward the rest of the season no matter how quickly he wanted to return.

"The players have to make some of those decisions," Sloan said. "We can't tell what's going on with them. They have to know and use their judgment as well."

Ronnie Price is expected to start with Williams out, but the Jazz also could turn to veteran Brevin Knight, who returned to practice Tuesday and is expected to play in the Jazz's final preseason game Thursday against Portland.

Knight has been bothered by an injured left thumb all preseason, a setback as he tries to learn the Jazz's offense after arriving in a July trade with the L.A. Clippers. But Sloan said he thought Knight could catch up in time for the opener.

"As far as what we're doing, he's missed some things," Sloan said. "I'm sure he'll pick it up pretty quick, which he's done so far. The idea is to get him in game-like situations, so he can try to feel comfortable. If you have to stop and think, it's too late."

Knight said he had the basics down but still needed to get more comfortable playing. He concurred with Sloan's assessment, saying, "I don't want to get out and every second, every minute that I'm out there, I'm thinking."

As for Price, he might not have the same connection as Williams running the pick-and-roll with Boozer, but the two had their moments last season.

"We got some good chemistry," Boozer said, "because he's a natural-born scorer that we turned into a point guard and I am a scorer, so it's easy to play pick-and-roll when you've got two guys that can put the ball in the hole."

Sloan was looking forward to experimenting with lineups and using players in different positions this week while Williams is out. He also had a message for the Jazz.

"If somebody goes out, the teams that are good and want to be good, they go ahead and get it done some way," Sloan said. "It might not look as pretty or as good, but the job's still try to win a game."

rsiler@sltrib.com

Jazz at Portland

Thursday, 7 p.m., KJZZ