After missing two days earlier this week, McNeese State quarterback Clifton McDowell returned to the practice field Thursday for limited work.

Cowboy head coach Gary Goff said McDowell’s status for Saturday’s game at Texas A&M would be a “game-time decision”.

McDowell, the transfer from Montana, missed workouts Tuesday and Wednesday to get treatment on an injured ankle and said Wednesday evening he was working as hard as he could to be able to play.

McDowell has had his ups and downs in the early going, returning last Saturday after being replaced to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys rallied to beat Southern, 21-7. 

He also had two touchdown passes in the season opener against Tarleton State, as he has accounted directly for four of McNeese’s six TDs. The Cowboys will enter Kyle Field with a 1-1 record.

“Cliff did some things today and is looking better,” Goff said after Thursday’s morning practice. “It is something very minor so we are hoping he will be fine.”

Goff said he, his staff, and trainers will watch how McDowell goes through pregame workouts Saturday before making a final decision.

McDowell is 15 of 24 for 273 yards through the air this season. He also leads the Cowboys in rushing with 132 yards on 30 carries. 

His 405 yards of total offense account for 56.4 percent of McNeese’s total (717).

“If he goes that means we think he is fine, if not it is because he is not ready to play,” said Goff.

If McDowell doesn’t go redshirt freshman Kamden Sixkiller will get the start. Sixkiller started three games at the end of last season.

Last week he replaced McDowell and went 9 of 19 for 86 yards and a fumble. He is considered the future of McNeese’s offense.

“If Six has to go he goes, we are fine with that,” said Goff. “He has had a good week of practice.”

If he starts Sixkiller will be backed up by both junior college transfer Alex Flores and true freshman Devin Lippold, who has had an impressive camp.

McNeese opens Southland Conference play a week from Saturday at home against Stephen F. Austin so Goff will likely be smart with his quarterback situation.