Nebraska QB Casey Thompson's status "day to day" in advance of Minnesota game

Nebraska starting quarterback Casey Thompson’s status for Saturday’s game is “day-to-day,” according to Husker interim head coach Mickey Joseph.

The issue is an elbow injury suffered during last week’s 26-9 loss to Illinois.

“I just wanted to hold him out today and let him see the doctors,” Joseph told reporters Tuesday. “He saw the doctors yesterday. Let him see them again today and see where he’s at tomorrow.”

Nebraska (3-5, 2-3 Big Ten) plays Minnesota (5-3, 2-3) at 11 a.m. Saturday in Lincoln.

Joseph said Thompson was “really beat up” on Saturday.

“But when I spoke with him on Sunday, he felt better,” the coach said. “He looked better yesterday (Monday). I mean, Casey’s taken some hits this year so I want to make sure I’m careful.”

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Thompson was injured with 6:31 left in the first half of the Illinois game. He dropped back to throw and was hit hard in the pocket, suffering a right (throwing) arm injury on a play that produced an interception.

He never returned to the game.

“I think it was his arm,” Joseph said after the game. “He got jammed on the elbow and he kind of hit the nerve and couldn’t feel his fingers.”

Purdy “just has to settle down,” Joseph says

Sophomore Logan Smothers played one series in Thompson’s absence, a three-and-out on Nebraska’s final possession of the first half.

Redshirt freshman Chubba Purdy, a transfer from Florida State, played the entire second half, completing 3 of 8 passes for 15 yards. He threw a critical interception early in the third quarter three plays after an Illinois fumble at its own 23.

Trailing 20-9, Nebraska badly needed to take advantage of the situation, but Purdy threw across his body while running to his right, and safety Sydney Brown intercepted the pass. The Illini then marched 70 yards in 13 plays before settling for a field goal.

On the season, Purdy has completed 10 of 20 passes for 50 yards and no touchdowns, with two interceptions. He also lost a fumble against Indiana.

“I spoke to Chubba and Chubba just has to settle down,” Joseph said Tuesday. “He has to breathe at that position. He can’t let his emotions take over. He’s got to be a true leader out there.”

Smothers, the most capable runner among Nebraska’s quarterbacks, has appeared in three games this season at the position. He had one play against Northwestern, a 7-yard rush, and took a snap against Georgia Southern resulting in a 10-yard rush. He’s thrown one pass, a 1-yard completion.

Smothers and Purdy on Tuesday took an even number of repetitions with the first-string offense, Joseph said.

Thompson’s value becomes even more clear

Meanwhile, the 6-foot, 195-pound Thompson has endured plenty of hits in the pocket. Even so, he’s generally produced at a high level, completing 141 of 224 attempts (62.9%) for 2,023 yards and 12 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions.

Playing behind a shaky offensive line, Thompson’s value became especially clear once he was out of the Illinois game, as Nebraska’s downfield passing game became almost non-existent.

Purdy was thrust into a difficult situation, especially considering Illinois’ prowess on defense.

“It’s not easy to do, especially going against a really good defense and they’re moving around, and they play solid football,” Joseph said after the game. “But we’ve got to get Chubba ready. I’ve got to get him ready. I’ve got to do a better job of prepping him during the week and getting him ready and probably getting him more reps — get a backup more reps.

“Sometimes a backup doesn’t get any reps. He’s got to get mental reps. Then he’s got to go in there and do his job.”

Joseph on Tuesday clarified those comments.

“A backup never gets a whole bunch of reps,” he said. “It’s impossible to do that because you’re only out there two hours and you’ve got to get your (starter) ready. So (Purdy) didn’t get the reps as a one, but he got reps as a two.

“For him to perform, I think he needs reps as a one.”

HuskerOnline Monday Rundown: We talk about Casey Thompson’s injury and where Nebraska is at in the coaching search