WEST LAFAYETTE — Malachi Singleton gave Purdue football a second half spark at Northwestern after alleviating the injured Ryan Browne.
But will he be the Boilermaker quarterback for their homecoming game Saturday against Rutgers?
That’s an ongoing evaluation, Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson said, a decision that takes into account Browne’s health and the productivity of both quarterbacks.
Whoever is behind center on Saturday will face a Rutgers defense that is statistically the Big Ten’s worst, allowing 437.4 yards per game.
Browne, who left Saturday’s 19-0 loss to Northwestern with a left shoulder injury when he was tackled on the first snap of the second half, participated in Monday’s practice.
Browne took the first-team reps, while Singleton handled second team snaps in a noncontact setting.
Coach Barry Odom said, if healthy, Browne is the starting quarterback, but listed Browne’s status as “doubtful” following Monday’s practice.
“There’s a difference in practicing and no contact and executing a game plan,” Odom said. “So we’ve got to train multiple quarterbacks, which we will.”
Singleton was 11 of 20 for 187 yards and an interception in the second half. He also had a 15-yard run a week after he provided the offense with a boost after scoring on a 40-yard run at Minnesota. Singleton has four rushing TDs in 42 career carries, including a game winner against Tennessee while playing for Arkansas in 2024.
“There’s more things we feel comfortable with him doing in the quarterback run game than we do Ryan,” Henson said of calling plays with Singleton in the game. “But from the passing game standpoint of it, I call all the same plays.”
Browne has started nine games for Purdue, including all seven this season. He’s thrown for 2,208 yards with 11 TDs and 11 interceptions in his career. He also had four rushing TDs and a TD reception this season.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ryan Browne practiced, but who will be Purdue quarterback against Rutgers? ‘Train multiple’
Reporting by Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
