By Steve SilverThe Daily Northwestern

For the second straight week, sophomore running back Tyrell Sutton missed most of the first quarter – this time after separating his shoulder the first time he touched the ball.

On the fourth play of NU’s first drive, Sutton ran for seven yards before taking a hit from two Purdue defenders that proved to be the knockout blow to his right shoulder.

Sutton left the game and went to the locker room for treatment. He eventually returned to the field in the middle of the second quarter.

“Nothing serious, just a separated shoulder,” Sutton said. “At one point, I was contemplating not coming back in because it was hurting so badly. I’m a team player, when I see that it’s not broken, I come back out.”

Sutton finished the game with 82 rushing yards on 10 carries. At the end of the third quarter, Sutton broke free for a 54-yard gain – his second longest of the season. He also caught three passes for two yards.

But he continues to handle the ball less often as NU (2-5, 0-3 Big Ten) favors using quarterbacks as the main runners.

Last season Sutton averaged 20.8 carries and 126.3 yards per game. After seven games this year, Sutton averages just 12.4 carries and 69.6 yards per game – keeping his yards-per-carry average close to six.

“As long as we get a victory, I don’t care how many carries (Andrew) Brewer or any quarterback gets,” Sutton said. “We need to get a victory first.”

Sutton said he does not expect his shoulder injury to keep him from practicing this week or playing against Michigan State this Saturday.

back in action

Sophomore quarterback C.J. Bach