Late in Michigan State's loss to Illinois last Saturday, quarterback Brian Lewerke took a knee to the back of the head from a defender while trying to scramble for extra yards.
Lewerke appeared dazed, staying on his hands and knees as tight end Matt Seybert motioned to the sidelines for help. Before Michigan State's medical staff could take the field, Lewerke rose to his feet, caught his bearings and returned to the huddle.
On the next play, he threw a pick-six. Then he finished out the game.
He told reporters afterward he felt "fine."
"My head was ringing for a little bit, but it was nothing serious, I don't think," he said. "It was a tough hit and definitely rung my bell for a little bit. I think I was fine."
Despite these signs, Mark Dantonio said Tuesday that Lewerke did not go through concussion protocol during or after the game.
"No, we didn't go through any protocol. We looked at him very quickly, just I asked him and he said he's good, and he motioned that to our trainers as well. So he just went on with it," said Dantonio.
Lewerke said Tuesday he didn't think he had any concussion symptoms, but added, "My neck hurt a little bit."
It's enough to wonder -- did Dantonio and Michigan State put Lewerke in danger by allowing him back on the field? They didn't exactly go to great lengths to ensure he was fit to return.
That said, the game was never paused by an independent spotter. The Big Ten has been using spotters since 2015 to identify players who are showing signs of a head or neck injury.
In the spotter's estimation, Lewerke was apparently fine. Same for that of the MSU medical staff, who didn't check out Lewerke on the sidelines after the blow.
Asked if Lewerke went through protocol after the game, Dantonio reiterated, "No, nothing."
The senior quarterback is expected to start Saturday when Michigan State takes on Michigan at the Big House.
