Dylan Lonergan, Rutgers’ starting quarterback, went down hard against #24 Northwestern today, taking a brutal blow to the head just 6 minutes and 25 seconds into the first quarter. This is a massive hit to the Scarlet Knights’ season hopes.
The Play That Shook Rutgers
The senior QB had scrambled up the middle for a 5-yard gain, a routine play that quickly turned scary. As he slid forward to the ground at the Rutgers 45, two Northwestern defenders closed in, and Northwestern’s Kobie McKinzie ultimately stopped Lonergan’s momentum with a helmet-to-helmet strike. Lonergan remained down on the field for a couple of agonizing minutes before staff helped him to a medical tent. You never want to see a guy stay down like that, especially your starting signal-caller.
Surace Steps In, But the Hole Was Already Deep
With Lonergan out, junior AJ Surace stepped in to lead the offense. Surace managed a drive for a field goal, getting some points on the board, but the momentum was all Northwestern’s. Lonergan did jog a couple of sprints on the sidelines, trying to get back in there, but he couldn’t return in the first quarter. Northwestern didn’t waste any time capitalizing, jumping out to a massive 21-3 lead. It’s a tough spot to be in, losing your QB and seeing your team fall behind so quickly.
This is a gut punch, especially when you consider Lonergan came into this game with a solid 1,066 yards on 74 for 122 passing, plus 10 touchdowns across five games. A team official said there won’t be a medical update until after the game, leaving everyone to wonder what this head injury means for the rest of his season. We’re all waiting to hear when Dylan Lonergan might be back on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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