Sippin' On Purple · Jan 3, 2018
Exploring Northwestern's QB depth chart behind Clayton Thorson
So, uh, yeah. Clayton Thorson tore his ACL, which is devastating for Northwestern. The three-year starter with NFL aspirations will have surgery in 2-3 weeks, but his status for the start of next season is now in serious doubt. A typical ACL tear requires a 9-12 month recovery, if Thorson heals quickly, he could be back before next season. That seems like a longshot, though.
Thus, Northwestern, with no warning, may have to open a season without Clayton Thorson under center for the first time in four years come next August against Purdue. There will be no experienced backup waiting in the wings like Matt Alviti when Thorson went down in the Music City Bowl.