U of L QB Gardner likely 'a day-to-day deal'

The University of Louisville football team began the fifth week of the season with a big question.

Will the Cardinals have starting quarterback Will Gardner, who injured his knee in the win over Florida International, for Saturday's afternoon kickoff against Wake Forest at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium?

"I don't know a whole lot just yet," Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Monday afternoon.

"He was in here yesterday. He was sore. There's swelling. … It could be a day-to-day deal."

Gardner, a 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore who has started each of Louisville's first four games, was scheduled to visit with Dr. David Caborn, the U of L team physician, on Monday afternoon.

U of L spokesman Rocco Gasparro said early Monday evening that there were no updates yet on Gardner after his appointment with Caborn.

Gardner's knee was "stable" after a sideline evaluation by Louisville's team trainers after a low hit on his left leg by an FIU defender on Saturday. Gardner removed his pads after the examination but he didn't leave the sideline, perhaps indicating a less-severe ailment.

Petrino said Monday that it was "not the same injury" – a torn anterior cruciate ligament – that has sidelined Gardner twice in the past.

"I do know that he's very sore, so we'll have to wait and see," Petrino said.

Gardner's been the source of much debate within the U of L football fan base. In his first four games since replacing Teddy Bridgewater as the Louisville quarterback, he's had up-and-down performances.

He ranks 58th in the country in quarterback rating (199.5) and 92nd in completion percentage (56.3 percent). He had seven passes tipped or deflected against Virginia and struggled through a 2-for-15 passing stretch that prompted Louisville to play freshman quarterback Reggie Bonnafon in his place.

But Petrino put Gardner back into the UVA game in the fourth quarter, and he's stuck with the quarterback he all but named his starter back in spring practices.

Despite serious problems with the U of L offensive line, Gardner's had flashes of his talent come through when given time in the pocket this fall.

Gardner's 15 of 23 with six touchdowns and zero interceptions inside the opponent's 20-yard line, though he lost a fumble in Saturday's game against FIU after blown pass protection freed FIU defensive end Mike Wakefield for a big hit on Gardner.

But if Gardner isn't ready to go, Bonnafon's the most likely quarterback to step into the starter's shoes.

Bonnafon, a popular figure among U of L fans, missed last week's practices and game as he grieved with his family over the unexpected death of his father, Wallace.

The 6-foot-3 freshman returned to team meetings on Sunday after his father's funeral Saturday and worked out with the younger U of L players.

He was impressive in his college debut, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another in a 66-21 win over FCS program Murray State.

But Bonnafon struggled under the same type of duress that has bothered Gardner. After an impressive drive to end the second half against Virginia, Bonnafon quarterbacked three series to start the third quarter.

U of L lost one yard those nine plays with Bonnafon under center.

Sophomore receiver James Quick, a fellow Trinity High grad and former classmate of Bonnafon, said the young quarterback would be ready if Gardner couldn't play against Wake Forest.

"If it comes down to that, I believe he can step in and do what he has to do because he' s been working hard all summer," Quick said. "I feel like he can come out and step up and perform at a high level."

Quick's answer provided a key caveat: "if it comes down to that."

For now, Louisville just wants a clearer picture of where its quarterback stands.

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).