Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson looking ‘really healthy’ ahead of Texas Bowl
The last time Kansas State football fans saw Skylar Thompson, the senior quarterback was unable to put weight on his left foot and needed help from trainers just to make it off the field in the final minutes of a home loss against Baylor.
More than a month has passed since that game in late November, and it seems as though Thompson has used that time to make a full recovery.
The K-State football team shared video footage of Thompson throwing the football during recent practices on social media. He looked sharp and mobile. That was no optical illusion.
“He has looked really healthy,” K-State football coach Chris Klieman said following a Texas Bowl event on Saturday. “I think he is as healthy as he has been all year coming off the couple injuries that he has had. I see no ill effects of anything that has gone on. He is throwing the ball crisp. He is running the ball well. I am looking forward to him having a big football game, and he is excited to play.”
That is excellent news for the Wildcats.
A completely healthy Thompson could make a difference against LSU in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday at NRG Stadium. He hasn’t been at full strength since he suffered an injury to his right knee during a September victory over Southern Illinois. Thompson missed the next two games and returned to make seven straight starts, but he wasn’t nearly as mobile. Then he suffered an injury to his left ankle against Baylor, and he missed the final game of the regular season against Texas.
Despite all that, Thompson led K-State to seven victories while throwing for 1,854 yards and nine touchdowns.
Many have wondered what the Wildcats might have looked like with Thompson at full strength this season. They may get their answer next week.
“He has been looking really good, taking steps in the right direction,” K-State running back Deuce Vaughn said. “Every day, as we get closer to game time, we are all getting excited about him.”
Added K-State linebacker Cody Fletcher: “It’s really exciting having him back and in control of the offense. Just watching him in practice, you can tell he is a big leader for us and a big player, as well.”
Much less is known about what LSU plans to do at quarterback in the Texas Bowl.
LSU interim head coach Brad Davis declined to say who will start for the Tigers. Their options include freshman Garrett Nussmeier, who is the team’s lone healthy scholarship quarterback, an unproven walk-on or converted wide receiver Jontre Kirklin.
Davis said they are all “in the running” to play. The Tigers might have several different players and looks ready for the Wildcats.
In any case, Thompson’s healthy presence in the huddle should also motivate his teammates, as this will be his final game in a K-State uniform. Thompson has been starting games for the Wildcats since he was a redshirt freshman in 2017.
Everyone in purple wants him to go out the right way.
“He has been so great for this program,” Vaughn said. “He has been great for us as teammates and everyone else in this building. To send him out with a win would be big time.”
This story was originally published January 1, 2022 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson looking ‘really healthy’ ahead of Texas Bowl."