Catalon returns to Cougars

Houston running back Duke Catalon returned to practice Monday after missing a few days with a muscle spasm in his neck.

Coach Tom Herman said Catalon, a transfer from the University of Texas who will be the Cougars’ top back this season, was bothered by a muscle spasm that was irritating a nerve on the side of his neck. He underwent an MRI, which came back normal.

“It was nothing serious,” Herman said. “He came out and had a really good practice.”

Center Will Noble and wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples were held out of practice as they continue to go through concussion protocol.

Noble could begin riding a stationary bicycle Tuesday if he does not show any concussion symptoms, Herman said. The Cougars are taking a cautious approach with Samples, who has suffered his third concussion.

Odds and ends

Michigan State has named fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor, who won at Ohio State in his only start last season, the team’s No. 1 quarterback. … Senior Chris Laviano, who started 11 games last season, will be the starting quarterback for Rutgers after beating out TCU transfer Zach Allen.