Matt Rhule evaluates Casey Thompson's progress while working his way back to the field

Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson is spending these spring practice sessions working his way back onto the football field from his shoulder surgery. Head coach Matt Rhule had already declared that the soon-to-be sixth-year quarterback was going to be limited over the entire session.

He provided another update on Thompson on Tuesday, albeit he didn’t know if Thompson had been given a green light to do just some light throwing in practice.

“I don’t have that correct answer,” Rhule said. “He’s not throwing with us yet. They talked last week about the beginning a progression but I’m not sure the exact date.”

While he is not a part on the on-field product of spring camp so far, Thompson is still making his impact felt on the team and in the quarterback room.

There’s a lot of talent in the eight-man quarterback room but Thompson is the senior-most player in the group. Rhule said he is being a great leader for the group and doing what he can to continue improving his game despite the fact he can’t be on the field.

“I will say Casey’s doing a wonderful job,” Rhule said. “He’s kind of become like a coach. He’s in there every night working. He knows the progressions as well as anybody, the depths. He’s really a smart guy who’s putting a lot of time in.”

The other quarterbacks in the room are Heinrich Haarberg, Mikey Pauley, Chubba Purdy, Jeff Sims, Logan Smothers, Richard Torres and Jack Woche.

Purdy, like, Thompson, also transferred to the program last season while Sims is a new addition this offseason. Sims arrives from Georgia Tech, where he was a three-year starter for the team.

Thompson started 10 of 12 games last season for Nebraska. He completed 173 of his 274 passing attempts for 2,407 yards and 17 touchdowns.

The battle between the two is expected to be one of the top quarterback room battles in the country this year.

“Thompson transferred from Texas last season and immediately took over as starter for the Cornhuskers to finish with 2,407 yards passing, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. However, he’ll face competition this offseason as first-year coach Matt Rhule brought in another transfer in Sims,” On3’s report on the top five quarterback battles read. “[Sims] rushed for 1,152 yards and 11 touchdowns in his Yellow Jackets career, along with 4,464 yards passing, 30 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. The turnovers are a concern, but his size and athletic ability should be enough to give Thompson a run for his money.”