The Spartans may have survived a scare.

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook was replaced by Tyler O'Connor in the first half of the Spartans' 24-7 win against Maryland after suffering an apparent right shoulder injury. Cook was hit by Maryland defensive end Jesse Aniebonam after a long pass completion in the first quarter and left the game. He returned, but with mixed results and noticeable expressions of pain.  

O'Connor played the entire second half but Cook, also one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, told reporters after the game he felt healthy enough to play if needed and plans to start against Ohio State next week in Columbus. 

"I just landed on it funny," Cook said after the game, via the Detroit News. "It kind of felt a little weak at that point. I came to the sidelines and got it checked out and there was nothing serious. I went back in and it didn’t really affect me at all. There was a little pain here and there, but nothing like I couldn’t deliver a pass.

"I felt like I could have [played]. I felt confident in my abilities and my arm and my health, but Coach D just wanted to play it safe and keep me on the sideline for precautionary reasons."

Dantonio confirmed his staff's thinking, noting that throwing more with a sore shoulder could have set Cook back "a number of days." The Spartans need a win in Columbus next week to stay in the Big Ten East race, and with that in mind it made sense to see Cook on the sideline with the game in hand. 

Connor Cook injured his shoulder against Maryland. (USATSI)