Northwestern athletics dodged a bullet on Bryant McIntosh's knee injury. But not Clayton Thorson's.
The winningest quarterback in NU history has a torn ACL that throws his college career and NFL timeline up in the air, the Chicago Tribune has learned.
Thorson got carted off Friday in the Music City Bowl after making a 24-yard catch on a trick play. He immediately grabbed his right knee as Nissan Stadium hushed and teammates approached to offer encouragement.
After the game NU coach Pat Fitzgerald said that a preliminary exam revealed "nothing overly alarming ... I think he hyperextended it, from my vantage point."
But subsequent tests revealed a tear and there is no timetable for his return. Surgery is expected in a few weeks. Torn ACLs typically have a 9- to 12-month recovery period.
Thorson announced Dec. 19 that he would return to Evanston for his fifth season and fourth as a starter. Had he been healthy and entered the NFL draft, he figured to be a late-round pick.
If Thorson isn't ready for NU's Aug. 30 (Thursday night) season-opener at Purdue, Northwestern likely will turn to either TJ Green or Andrew Marty.
Green, who will be a redshirt sophomore, is a walk-on and the son of former NFL standout Trent Green. He threw for 2,700 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, earning Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year honors. He attempted and completed one pass this season, against Bowling Green.
Marty will be a redshirt freshman. Originally committed to Miami (Ohio), the Cincinnati native was responsible for 50 touchdowns as a high school senior (43 passing, seven rushing) and has terrific leadership skills.
Redshirt freshman Aidan Smith also would get a shot. And maybe incoming freshman Jason Whittaker. And perhaps a graduate school transfer.
Northwestern has a phenomenal 2018 home schedule _ Duke, Akron, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Illinois.
Thorson's 27 victories as the starting quarterback are the most in NU history. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder ranks second in program history in passing yards (7,513) and completions (688). He's a career 57.4 percent passer and made third-team all-Big Ten in 2017.
