LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. is going through a concussion protocol and listed day-to-day for this weekend’s home game against Minnesota.
Coach Mike Riley said Monday that if Armstrong isn’t cleared to play by Thursday or Friday, Ryker Fyfe would be the starter and Zack Darlington would be his backup.
Armstrong’s head hit the turf hard when he was tackled along the Ohio State sideline by safety Malik Hooker in the second quarter of Saturday night’s 62-3 loss in Columbus, Ohio. Medics tended to Armstrong on the field for about 10 minutes before he was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. Armstrong returned to Ohio Stadium in the second half and joined his teammates on the sideline.
Riley said he’s encouraged because Armstrong has said he feels good. But before Armstrong can play, he will have to pass a series of neurological tests showing he has regained normal cognitive and physical functions.
“We’ll prepare as if we won’t have him and we’ll prepare as if we will have him,” Riley said. “If he can play, that means he’s been cleared, and that’s what we have to wait for. This is out of our hands, which is a good thing. Decisions will be made medically.”