Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson won't return against Illinois after leaving game in first half with injury

Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson won’t return for the second half of the Cornhuskers contest with Illinois. Thompson appeared to injure his right, throwing hand or arm on a pass that was intercepted midway through the second quarter.

Thompson took a big hit and the ball floated for an easy interception while the quarterback was shown on the broadcast on his backside, holding the pinky and ring finger area on his right hand. Coming out of halftime, Matt Coatney — who does radio play-by-play for Nebraska — said their sideline reporter Jessica Coody confirmed that Thompson would be out for the second half.

Nebraska Head Coach Mickey Joseph told our sideline reporter @JessicaCoody before 3Q that Casey Thompson would not play in the 2nd half and Chubba Purdy would be at QB. #Huskers

— Matt Coatney (@Coatman1) October 29, 2022

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Evan Bland of the Omaha World-Herald noted that Thompson came out of the locker room with the team at the end of the half but went right to the injury tent and didn’t warm up with his teammates.

When Thompson went out in the first half, the Cornhuskers rather surprisingly inserted quarterback Logan Smothers into the game, instead of Chubba Purdy, who had served as the backup prior. Mitch Sherman of the Athletic reported that Purdy would start the second half.

ESPN’s Tom Luginbill reported early in the third quarter that interim Nebraska head coach Mickey Joseph said at the half that Smothers would play in the second half because of his running ability.

After going to the injury tent, Thompson headed to the Nebraska locker room early

After evaluation on the sideline, Thompson headed to the locker room with the training staff.

Interestingly, Smothers came in to replace Thompson at quarterback instead of backup Purdy. Smothers had only taken two snaps all season prior to entering the game. Purdy, meanwhile, stood on the sideline with his helmet on.

Illinois capitalized on the interception as star running back Chase Brown ran in a touchdown to re-take the lead, 13-9, over the Huskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Thompson is in his first season with Nebraska after transferring from Texas prior to the season. Through seven games this season, he has 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns to his name.