LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska coach Mike Riley says quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. is going through the concussion protocol and is listed day-to-day for this weekend's home game against Minnesota.

Riley said Monday that he is encouraged because Armstrong has said he feels good.

Riley said he expects to make a decision on Armstrong's availability for the Minnesota game by Thursday.

"This is out of our hands, which is a good thing," the coach said. "That decision will be made medically."

Armstrong's head hit the turf hard when he was tackled along the Ohio State sideline by safety Malik Hooker in the second quarter of Saturday night's 62-3 loss in Columbus, Ohio.

Medics tended to Armstrong on the field for about 10 minutes before he was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. Armstrong returned to Ohio Stadium in the second half and was with his teammates on the sideline.

Riley said Ryker Fyfe would start if Armstrong can't play. He would be backed up by Zack Darlington.

Armstrong has started 42 games at Nebraska and set the career record for total offense last week before he suffered the injury. He holds the career record for passing yardage at Nebraska and is the only active FBS player with 8,000 yards passing and 1,500 rushing.

If he is unable to play this week, Armstrong will remain an asset to his teammates, Riley said.

"There will be no problem having Tommy be there for this team," Riley said. "That's been who he is and who they expect him to be. He will be there for this team. He will be there to play if he can."

ESPN's Mitch Sherman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.