Rutgers Quarterback Dylan Lonergan Injured in Northwestern Game
The starting quarterback exited the game in the first quarter after suffering a head injury during a scramble.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan left the game against Northwestern after suffering a head injury. The injury occurred during a 5-yard scramble just over six minutes into the first quarter.
Why it matters
The loss of a starting quarterback significantly alters the offensive trajectory for Rutgers during a pivotal matchup. AJ Surace replaced Lonergan following the hit and successfully managed the subsequent scoring drive.
Lonergan entered the game with 1,066 passing yards and 10 touchdowns across five appearances. The injury occurred 6 minutes and 25 seconds into the first quarter following a 5-yard scramble.
The players
Dylan Lonergan
He is the starting quarterback for the Rutgers football team.
AJ Surace
He is a junior quarterback for Rutgers who entered the game as a substitute.
Kobie McKinzie
He is a defensive player for Northwestern who was involved in the tackle.
The details
Lonergan was injured after his helmet struck that of Northwestern defender Kobie McKinzie during a tackle. Junior quarterback AJ Surace took over duties immediately following the incident and guided the offense to a field goal.
Timeline
The injury occurred on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The sudden loss of a starting quarterback during a conference game forces an immediate shift in the offensive rotation for Rutgers. This move impacts the team's ability to maintain pace as Northwestern holds a 21-3 lead in the first quarter.
AJ Surace will take over all quarterback snaps for the remainder of the game against Northwestern. His performance will dictate the offensive play-calling strategy as the team attempts to overcome the 21-3 deficit.
The takeaway
Sudden injury to a starting quarterback requires immediate depth adjustments that can stall offensive momentum. Teams must rely on secondary signal callers to maintain scoring drives under pressure.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Football section.
