Whether or not Rutgers has its starting quarterback for its matchup with a member of the SEC next weekend will likely remain a mystery for most if not all of the week leading up to it.
In the first quarter of the Scarlet Knights’ win over Eastern Michigan, Gary Nova was injured after being hit on a play that resulted in a roughing the quarterback penalty. The quarterback did not return to the game after he was injured.
The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed.
Following the game, head coach Kyle Flood gave no indication as to the odds of his starter’s availability for this Saturday’s game against Arkansas in Piscataway.
“I don’t know right now what his status will be in the upcoming week,” the coach said. “He could not return in the second half and he was not available to us really from the second quarter or midway through the first quarter – not sure exactly when I got notified.”
If Nova is unable to go against the Razorbacks, Chas Dodd would get the nod. In relief of Nova, Dodd completed just four-of-nine passes for 45 yards.
In 2011, Dodd started eight games for the Knights. After losing the starting job, he played in just three games in 2012.
Oddly enough, Rutgers’ opponent next week had its own injury issues at quarterback as well.
Starter Brandon Allen suffered an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder early on in UA’s win over Southern Miss and did not return to the game. In the postgame, head coach Bret Bielema said that Allen, who was in a sling, was held out for the remainder of the contest as merely a precaution.
Bielema is optimistic Allen will be healthy enough to play in the game against the Knights.
UPDATED 12:48 p.m. ET: Head coach Kyle Flood confirmed that Gary Nova suffered a concussion in the win. As was the case immediately after the game, Flood is unsure of the quarterback’s availability this weekend.
“I have not spoken to the doctors today. They’re going to see Gary when he comes in here in a little bit and reevaluate it,” Flood said. “These things can span a wide spectrum from a day or two and be back to playing again to missing weeks. I’m not sure exactly what part of the spectrum we’re on but should have a better idea probably by tomorrow.”