Kansas State QB Jesse Ertz out ‘for quite some time’
Jesse Ertz’s stint as Kansas State’s starting quarterback in 2015 did not last long.
Ertz left the Wildcats’ season-opening win over South Dakota Saturday after only a few plays. Head coach Bill Snyder said during the Big 12 coaches teleconference Monday that Ertz is “going to be out for quite some time.”
“We will miss him,” Snyder said per Kansas.com. “We feel badly about the loss and he will be there. He has been a wonderful individual for us, very representative of our value system, of our team and really developing as a leader.
“I am quite confident he will stay invested in what we are doing and will be very helpful to all of his teammates. We will move on.”
Snyder did not offer specifics about the injury. Ertz previously suffered a torn ACL as a high school senior.
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Ertz, a redshirt sophomore, was making his first career start for the Wildcats when he suffered what appeared to be a knee injury on the first play of the game. He remained in for one additional snap – a handoff – and then was helped off the field by two trainers.
After being examined on the sideline, Ertz was taken to the locker room on a cart.
“I feel dramatically bad for him,” Snyder said after the game. “We will see how it plays out. I have no idea right now, but anytime anybody gets hurt, they work so hard and for it to take them out of a game you work so hard for to play, our prayers will be with him. Hopefully it is something where he can get back on his feet real quick.”
Ertz beat out Joe Hubener and freshman Alex Delton to win the starting job during preseason practice. Hubener, a junior, came on in relief of Ertz Saturday and led the Wildcats to a victory. Hubener threw for 147 yards and a touchdown in the 34-0 win, but completed only 50 percent (9/18) of his throws. He also ran for 38 yards on nine carries.
Hubener, a former walk-on, will make his first career start for the Wildcats on Saturday on the road against Texas-San Antonio. Hubener played in seven games for K-State in 2014, completing 9-of-17 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. He also added 142 yards and three touchdowns rushing.
For more Kansas State news, visit GoPowerCat.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
