Baylor is hopeful quarterback Seth Russell will be able to resume his career at some point, but the Bears fear he will miss at least the rest of the regular season due to his neck injury, a source said Monday of the initial diagnosis.

Russell fractured a bone in his neck near the end of Saturday's win over Iowa State. He saw a specialist on Monday, and more information is expected to follow.

Coach Art Briles said Monday that he has confidence in true freshman backup Jarrett Stidham, citing his maturity, accuracy and polish. Stidham has completed 85.7 percent of his pass attempts this season for 331 yards and six touchdowns.

He was a five-star recruit who reneged on a commitment to Texas Tech.

The second-ranked Bears have an off week before traveling to Kansas State for a Thursday night game Nov. 5.

Russell has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football this year, remarkably accurate and a dangerous scrambler. He has thrown an FBS-leading 29 touchdowns this year and rushed for six touchdowns.