Clayton Thorson leaves Northwestern's game vs. Penn State with injury, does not return

EVANSTON — Northwestern starting quarterback Clayton Thorson left the Wildcats' game vs. Penn State in the first quarter with an injury. He did not return

The redshirt freshman was hit in the head by a Penn State defensive lineman's hand on a deep throw, and fell backwards. He stayed down on one knee on the field for a while after the play.

On the previous drive, Thorson took a huge hit while fighting for a first down on a third-down run.

Thorson headed to the locker room alongside a trainer. He jogged into the tunnel. Senior Zack Oliver replaced Thorson at quarterback.

Northwestern announced that Thorson was questionable to return, but never updated his status.

UPDATE: Zack Oliver has led Northwestern to a 20-7 halftime lead. Thorson has not returned.

UPDATE: Thorson was seen warming up prior to the start of the second half, but Oliver remained in the game.

UPDATE: Thorson threw passes on the sideline throughout the second half, but did not return to the game. Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald refused to answer questions about Thorson's injury in the postgame press conference.