WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) -Robert Marve’s latest knee issue was just a scare.
Purdue’s quarterback expects to play Saturday against Toledo after bruising his left knee last week against Ball State. Marve was hurt on a quarterback sneak in the second quarter against the Cardinals, and he played a limited role in the second half.
It was the same knee he had ACL surgery on last year, so he’s relieved it wasn’t a bigger deal.
“It was the weirdest situation,” he said. “My foot got stuck in the ground. Somebody just rolled into me. I feel fine now. All the doctors looked at it and said I’m going to be fine to play on Saturday.”
Marve has helped the Boilermakers to a 2-1 start, completing 69 percent of his passes for 502 yards with three touchdowns. The Boilermakers are dealing with numerous injuries on offense, so Marve’s status is a positive for a team already without top receiver Keith Smith for the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
Purdue coach Danny Hope said he will be careful with his quarterback this week.
“I think he’ll be a little limited in practice,” Hope said. “A bad bruise. And bruises take a couple of days to go away, so he’ll be maybe somewhat limited a little bit early in the week. But I anticipate him full speed and ready to go this weekend.”
Rob Henry stepped in against Ball State and passed for 89 yards and a touchdown and ran for 65 yards to help the Boilermakers to a 24-13 win. Hope was pleased to see the redshirt freshman perform well in Marve’s place.
“He’s a great talent,” Hope said. “You know, a guy on the team that the other players believe in as well. So when he’s in there, that’s a good thing. It helps us offensively because he’s going to have to play some, and the more he plays now, the better off we’re going to be.”
Hope has expressed concern that Marve’s style of play puts him at risk. He runs often, but doesn’t slide and tends to avoid the sideline. He has gained 87 yards rushing, including a 23-yard touchdown run against Notre Dame, but he has taken 43 yards in losses.
Hope said he will continue to emphasize self preservation in conversations with Marve.
“There is a lot of different areas from the quarterback standpoint that, you love to see them take those steps and the light to come on,” Hope said. “You know, getting the ball out of your hand in a hurry. If you never get your quarterback to take a sack, you’re taking a huge step as a quarterback. Then, obviously, teaching the quarterback to protect himself.
Hope said he wants Marve to be smart, but remain aggressive.
“I like the way he goes out playing a game,” Hope said. “He plays to win. He’s a physical player. He finishes runs. He’s an emotional player. He plays that way, and that’s good for our football team. So I certainly trust him. We’ll continue to school him up a little bit as far as taking care of himself. But I love the way he plays.”
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