Art Briles expects Seth Russell to be cleared for contact next month

The Baylor quarterback situation promises to be an embarrassment of riches in 2016, as head coach Art Briles said Tuesday he expects Seth Russell to be cleared for contact next month.

After seven weeks of the 2015 campaign, Russell was among the Heisman Trophy favorites, throwing for 2,104 yards and a whopping 29 touchdowns. Unfortunately for the junior and the Bears, he suffered a season-ending neck injury against Iowa State.

Freshman Jarrett Stidham then took over, and performed well in Russell's absence, throwing for 934 yards and six touchdowns in three starts. The Texas native would hurt himself as well, succumbing to an ankle injury against Oklahoma State.

Next man up was Chris Johnson, a converted receiver, who struggled in his time under center, throwing for 302 yards and three interceptions. Johnson also struggled with injuries, forcing Briles to implement a Wildcat offense in the Russell Athletic Bowl against North Carolina.

The result? A record 645 yards rushing, and five different players seeing time at the quarterback position.

With all three quarterbacks at Briles' disposal for 2016, expect to see some inventive sets when the Bears open the season Sept. 3 against Northwestern State.