Mark Whipple provides update on Casey Thompson, backup quarterbacks
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple may have a quarterback decision to make ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Michigan. Starter Casey Thompson did not practice on Tuesday, still dealing with an elbow injury. Chubba Purdy and Logan Smothers would be one of the two to go for the Cornhuskers if Thompson is not fully ready.
Whipple provided an update on the three during a Wednesday press conference, beginning with the main starter. He said Thompson has “gotten better” compared to Tuesday. As for Purdy and Smothers, the offensive coordinator thinks there is more confidence coming out of them.
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“Casey has gotten better,” Whipple said. “A lot better. Logan and Chubba — I see a lot more confidence in those guys from playing last week. Just handling things better. So, that’s promising.”
As for the plan moving forward, Whipple said he wants to see how things play out during Thursday’s practice. With such a late decision coming in on who the quarterback would be, mentally getting ready will be just as important as all three being healthy.
“See where everybody is at tomorrow,” said Whipple. “Casey has played enough that you can get a guy ready in a little bit. He’s mentally there, been in the meetings, done some stuff. The two other guys got some game action so I feel better about it.”
One final question was asked about Thompson on whether or not he was throwing. Whipple did not provide the best update if the hope is No. 11 will see the field at the Big House.
“Not really but he’s out there.”
Thompson did not play last week against Minnesota, having the same injury. Both Purdy and Smothers got playing time but had less-than-ideal results. The two combined for 11 of 26 passing for 121 yards and an interception. To say it was a rough go would be an understatement.
And now, the No. 3 ranked team in the country is next up on the schedule. Mark Whipple will have a tough decision ahead of him if the Cornhuskers want to get their fourth win of the season.