Up big against UCLA in Week 1, the Texas A&M Aggies watched as starting QB Nick Starkel went down with a broken leg.

Expected to be out for the year, that may not be the case any more for the redshirt freshman, who could return to the field soon.

According to a report by Chron.com, coach Kevin Sumlin said on Tuesday that Starkel should be available to backup new starter Kellen Mond off the bench if needed coming out of the bye week this week.

Mond has been improving every week and has earned the right to start, even as a true freshman, but having Starkel available to back him up will be a huge boost for the Aggies.

At 5-2, the Aggies have climbed out of the big hole from their Week 1 collapse and now have a much-needed bye week.

Coming off the bye, Starkel will serve as Mond’s backup while the Aggies travel to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.