Oct 15, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns safety Al Riles (25) tackles Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Nelson Fishback (9) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Louisiana-Lafayette won 37-20. Photo Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky announced quarterback Nelson Fishback will miss 4-6 months following pectoral surgery. Fishback had been a contender to replace 2015 starter Brandon Doughty, a seventh-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft.
“This is extremely disappointing for Nelson,” WKU head coach Jeff Brohm said in a statement Tuesday. “He has worked hard to put himself in this position and is a young man who does all of the things you would want out of your quarterback. Nelson has always been the kind of teammate you want to have inside and outside of the locker room.”
Fishback, who completed 7-of-8 passes for 70 yards six games last season, announced on Twitter that he had suffered a “season ending injury” and that he planned on finishing his masters degree while not discussing his football future.
WKU also added former Wake Forest quarterback Steve Donatell to the roster, according to the Bowling Green Daily News.
Donatell said in March that he intended to continue his career at WKU, and will be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer. The Hilltoppers are looking to replace Tyler Higbee, a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams.
Donatell began his career at Wake Forest as a linebacker, moving to tght end last year and going on to catch three passes for 31 yards.
