LARAMIE — Karsten Sween has not practiced this week because of a concussion, so the Wyoming junior quarterback probably won’t play Saturday.
In all likelihood, Wyoming will start redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Stutzriem against San Diego State.
Sween, who started the Cowboys’ previous three games and 18 during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, suffered the concussion in the third quarter of last Saturday’s 54-7 loss at TCU.
“We’re taking it a day at a time and waiting for my headaches to go away,” Sween said after Wednesday’s practice. “I am still kind of light sensitive and sensitive to noise.
“If I try to do too much, it gives me a headache. I’m trying to take it easy and still go to class as much as I can.”
Sween said he was knocked out after a hit from TCU senior linebacker Robert Henson and doesn’t remember much for the first 15 to 20 minutes after he regained consciousness.
UW head trainer Robb Williams said Sween has a Grade II concussion. To be cleared by doctors, Sween must show none of his current symptoms, then perform other physical and mental tests and still show no symptoms.
Sween has met with doctors and trainers on a daily basis. This isn’t the first time Sween has suffered a concussion at Wyoming and in his football career.
He said he suffered one in last season’s 20-3 home loss to New Mexico but returned the next week and played in the Cowboys’ 20-12 loss at Air Force.
Sween also said he suffered a severe concussion in high school.
“Even when I get cleared it’s probably going to be in the back of my mind,” he said. “Williams said concussions build on themselves, so it’s something I have to be aware of.
“I don’t know. These are new waters for me right now. I’m just trying to see what the safest thing is to do. When my symptoms are normal and I feel normal, then I’ll play normal.”
Stutzriem would be Wyoming’s third starting quarterback of the season, and it would be the first start of his career.
“We’re comfortable with Stutz,” UW coach Joe Glenn said. “He loves to work. He’s a blue-collar guy. He brings a spirit to the team that you like.”
In four games this season, Stutzriem is 8-of-12 for 55 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
“I feel good and feel comfortable. (Offensive coordinator Bob Cole) has had my back the whole time I’ve been out there,” Stutzriem said. “As for being the starter, for me it just means I’m going out there earlier. It doesn’t really matter. I’ve got a job to do and I’ve got to get it done.”
