TCU’s Patterson tells fans to ‘calm down’ amid team’s QB situation
The TCU quarterback situation hasn’t improved much over the last couple of weeks.
Coach Gary Patterson revealed that projected starter Matthew Downing has been sidelined the last 10 days during the Big 12’s media teleconference on Monday, but is expected to return to practice this week.
Patterson did not specify why Downing has missed time.
TCU had to cancel its season opener against SMU scheduled for Sept. 11 after the program sustained a coronavirus outbreak. Players who test positive for the virus are out a minimum of 10 days, while players deemed within close contact of an individual who tests positive is out a minimum of 14 days.
Asked about Downing’s growth the last couple of weeks, Patterson said: “Downing was one of the guys who’s been down here for about 10 days, so I can’t say. He’ll be back here in the next couple.”
Downing, a former walk-on from Georgia, is expected to be TCU’s starting quarterback when it opens the season against Iowa State on Sept. 26. Kickoff has been set for 12:30 p.m. at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Sophomore Max Duggan, who started at quarterback most of last season and was the favorite to win the job this fall, remains sidelined indefinitely with a heart condition discovered through enhanced COVID-19 testing protocols.
Duggan has not been cleared to return, Patterson said, and a timeline is unknown.
“When the doctors say yes, then we’ll move forward,” Patterson said.
As far as the quarterbacks deeper on the depth chart, Patterson gave a blunt assessment on what they’ve shown with additional reps in practice the last couple of weeks.
“We’ve had guys take reps,” Patterson said. “I wouldn’t say that we’ve had anybody step up.”
The QB update had a number of fans expressing concerns on social media and Patterson attempted to bring a calmness to the situation with his own post.
“Everyone calm down and take a step back,” Patterson posted on his Twitter account. “We have been in camp since the middle of July getting ready. The day we need to be ready is September 26th! Go Frogs!”
Outside of the QB questions, Patterson sounded optimistic about the state of his program. He is hoping to be close to full strength when the Frogs take on the Cyclones later this month.
Other than the COVID-19 issues and players battling a stomach flu early in training camp, Patterson said the team has stayed relatively healthy in regards to normal football injuries such as concussions, hamstrings and groins.
“By the time we get to Iowa State here in two weeks, I think we’re going to be back to full strength,” Patterson said. “That’s the positive.”
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 12:14 PM.
