The status of Ball State University quarterback Kelly Page remains uncertain after his MRI on Monday.
Page injured his right thumb in the second quarter of Saturday's 34-17 loss to Bowling Green State University. Associate Athletics Director Joe Hernandez said results from the MRI would be available Tuesday. Page had X-rays taken Saturday and did not return to the game.
Coach Stan Parrish remained optimistic about Page's status for this week's game at Eastern Michigan University, but will have to prepare backup Tanner Justice as well.
"My mindset was that, until I was told differently, that Kelly would be OK," Parrish said. "I don't even know what Kelly's availability will be for practice [Tuesday]."
Justice directed nine drives after Page was injured. He completed six of his 21 passes for 92 yards. Page was 4-for-9 for 39 yards before his injury. He also threw an interception and rushed for 34 yards.
Justice said he would be better prepared if he has to make his first career start.
"Definitely [there will be] a lot more film," Justice said. "I'll have more practice and get more reps."
Justice will also get much more practice with the first team this week. Parrish said his starter gets 80 percent of the reps in practice.
Parrish said the offense will be better suited for Justice if he has to start this week.
"We've got to pick out what he can do and not ask him to do something he can't do," Parrish said. "We've got some good stuff he can handle and we've got to rep those so our timing's right."
The senior is likely to see more practice time his week even if Page can play at Eastern Michigan. Parrish said Page will have to practice at least a bit this week, but he won't have to fully participate.
"He's got to practice to know he can take a snap and drop back and throw," Parrish said. "You can do a lot of things in practice without the football. A lot of coaches just sit a guy out. I don't believe in that, there's a lot of things you can do."
Page has started all seven games this year, but Justice has appeared in three of them. He is 15-for-34 for 204 yards. He also threw an interception at Army. Justice said Page gave him a critique Saturday.
"He was just as helpful as I would have been," Justice said.
Justice said getting prepared for the Eagles won't be a problem.
"If he's not available, I'll be ready to go."
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