Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is dealing with a sprained MCL in his right knee and coach Mike Locksley said Tuesday the rising star is a “game-time decision” for Saturday’s home game against Northwestern.
Tagovailoa was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s 38-33 road win over Indiana. He underwent an MRI exam that confirmed the injury.
He was hurt when an Indiana defender fell on his leg after he threw a pass.
“A huge sense of relief, obviously,” Locksley said of a second opinion that confirmed the sprain and ruled out a more serious injury.
It is the second time this season that Tagovailoa has sprained the MCL in the knee. The first time was during a 34-27 road loss against then-No. 4 Michigan on Sept. 24.
Tagovailoa has been wearing a brace since the initial injury and Locksley said that may have prevented a more serious injury.
Tagovailoa is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins standout Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa is enjoying a solid season, with 2,001 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while being intercepted five times.
Last season, Tagovailoa set a single-season program record with 3,860 passing yards and tied the school mark of 26 touchdown passes. Scott Milanovich also tossed 26 in 1993.
Billy Edwards Jr. will start against Northwestern if Tagovailoa can’t play. Edwards has completed 9 of 16 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 93 yards and one score this season.
Edwards, a redshirt freshman, is a transfer from Wake Forest.
–Field Level Media
