Tailback Joe McKnight returned to practice a day after leaving practice early because of soreness in his right knee. He said swelling was minimal.

“I feel like I can’t take any days off because at any point in time I can easily be out the picture,” he said. “I feel 100 percent.

“I’m expecting to do what I did last week and the week before that.”

That does not appear to be the case, as Coach Pete Carroll said Stafon Johnson will be the Trojan’s starting punt returner against Arizona State.

“(Johnson) had a steady game last week and I want to make sure Joe is focused on his stuff and not concerned with that right now.”

McKnight, who has muffed a punt in three of four games, said he made an adjustment this week in the placement of his hands.

“My hands were too low every time I (caught) it,” he said. “By the time the ball was coming out I was bringing my hands up.”

Carroll said McKnight will back up Jonson and still might make returns against the Sun Devils. Another candidate is receiver Damian Williams. The team’s third option works on returns before most practices and had a few repetitions Thursday. Williams said coaches have not talked to him about having a greater role, however.

“It’s more like I’ve talked to them about doing it,” Williams said.