Quarterback Decision Going Down to the Wire

Casey Thompson's availability against Minnesota will be a game-time decision, Mickey Joseph says

Who starts at quarterback Saturday for Nebraska will be a game-time decision, interim head coach Mickey Joseph said after Thursday's practice.

No. 1 quarterback Casey Thompson is "trying to convince me that he's going to play," Joseph said. "But you know my rule as far as injuries. He's got to tell me that he's ready to go, but then I got to have enough sense to say you're ready or you're not. ... Right now, Casey is telling me he's ready to go."

Thompson left last week's game against Illinois with an elbow injury during the second quarter and didn't return. He was spelled briefly by Logan Smothers before Chubba Purdy played the remainder of the game.

Purdy and Smothers have both taken reps this week with the No. 1 offense while Thompson has practiced very little. Joseph said Purdy has had "a really good week" after his subpar performance Saturday. "Chubba's a rep kid, so I think with the reps that he's gotten this week. he should be much better on Saturday if he has to go."

Offensive lineman Broc Bando and receiver Omar Manning "should be available" Saturday after missing games with injuries, Joseph said.

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Coverage

• Husker247 | Mickey Joseph after Thursday's practice: Latest on QBs, injuries, mindset for Minnesota
• Nebraska Athletics | Joseph Talks Preparation Ahead of Minnesota
• Hail Varsity* | Thompson a Game-Time Decision; Bando, Manning Available
• Omaha World-Herald* | Thompson will be a game-time decision
• Omaha World-Herald* | Third and daunting: Nebraska tasked with halting veteran Minnesota on money downs
• HuskerOnline* | Thursday nuggets: Joseph gives final update on QBs, Minnesota prep
• Lincoln Journal Star* | A bleak look at the Huskers' recent struggles when a backup starts at QB
• Lincoln Journal Star* | Husker Hot Topic: Should Nebraska start Logan Smothers or Chubba Purdy?

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From the other side

• St. Paul Pioneer Press | Gophers football vs. Nebraska: Keys to game, who has the edge
• Gopher Illustrated | Know Your Minnesota Football Foe: Nebraska Huskers

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More info

• Neb. depth chart
• Flip sheet
• Pregame notes: Neb. | Minn.
• HuskerMax game page
• Practice schedule
• KLIN/HuskerMax reports
• NU roster
• 2022 schedule

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