Army quarterback A.J. Schurr wasn’t with the team at the start of training camp. Despite being projected as the team’s starting signal caller, Schurr was held out of practice altogether due to a mystery injury.
In recent days, Army head coach Jeff Monken finally discussed the quarterback’s ailment. Schurr is dealing with hamstring issues.
“I wish we could get A.J. in there…It’s pretty significant (injury) obviously,” Monken told HudsonValley.com’s Sal Interdonato. “He’s been out for the last week and half or workouts and all this week of camp. He’s getting better. He wants to go. I’m just concerned if he really accelerates off of that or has to have a quick deceleration that he pulls it again and we are back to square one and another three weeks away. We are going to try and let him get healthy and when our training staff feels comfortable we’ll get him back him in there.”
Despite the severity of the injury, Monken will allow Schurr to participate in practice this week in a very limited capacity.
“He’ll probably throw the ball some this afternoon (Monday) where he doesn’t have to run down the line or sprint out,” Monken said. “A lot of shotgun which will be good for him to get in there and do that.”
While Schurr is out of the lineup, Monken tried to rely heavily on senior quarterback Angel Santiago. Unfortunately, Monken had to hold Santiago out of a few practices after “taking a shot to the outside of his thigh the other day (Friday) and it was sore and pretty swollen and bruised.”
Santiago returned to the practice field Monday, but he was also a limited participant.
Freshman Kado Brown might receive significant playing time this season if Schurr and Santiago can’t remain healthy.
“Coach Monken always talks about giving your best effort when you are out there and that’s one thing that I’ve tried to internalize since I’ve been here,” Brown told Interdonato. “Any time I get the chance, I try to make the best out of my opportunity and give it all I’ve got. I’m still in the process. I’m not going to say I’m confident but I am comfortable. Once I grasp it better, I think I will gain more confidence.”