On Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio, things quickly went from bad to worse.
“I was really worried because he just wasn't moving at all,” said Husker fan Natalie Holt.
Husker quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. was briefly knocked unconscious during a play in the second quarter.
“Everyone was just silent. No one knew what to do and say. Everyone was kind of scared and a few people actually started praying for him which was really cool,” said fan Zac Luckey.
Armstrong was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
“I didn't really know the specifics about it and seeing him on the stretcher was tough,” said Husker Jordan Westerkamp.
The uncertainty of Armstrong’s injury left his teammates and fans worried. It was shocking to see him back so soon.
“I think I first saw him on the big screen, there was a camera following him down the tunnel,” said Westerkamp.
Armstrong returned to the sidelines in the third quarter.
“He came back in scrubs and you could see he was just at the hospital, so we were glad that he was back,” said Holt.
On Monday Coach Mike Riley said that Armstrong is feeling good, but he won’t be taking any snaps until he gets cleared. Right now he is going through the university’s concussion protocol.
“Individuals who do return immediately seem to be more at risk for another head injury and the severity seems to increase,” said Dr. Dennis Molfese.
Dr. Dennis Molfese does concussion research at UNL’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, attached to Memorial Stadium. He says it's crucial for Armstrong not to play until he's 100 percent.
Husker Nation agrees.
“He is a human being and as important as it is for the team to play, it is also important that he is well and healthy,” said Husker fan Katie Brown.
