Everett Golson's status uncertain

Updated: October 19, 2012, 11:30 PM ET

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson's return from a concussion changed practice plans a bit this week, so Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly will not name a starter for Saturday's contest against BYU until game time.

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Kelly said Thursday that it's not automatic that Tommy Rees would start in Golson's place.

Rees has started 17 career games, including this season's win against Miami on Oct. 6, when Golson was disciplined for being late to a team meeting.

Kelly also praised third-string quarterback Andrew Hendrix, who saw action in five games last season.

"Andrew had a good week," Kelly said.

Golson completed concussion testing Tuesday and was cleared by team doctors to return to practice on Wednesday. He had failed to pass cognitive testing Monday, two days after suffering the head injury late in Notre Dame's overtime win over Stanford.

After stating he expected Golson to be medically cleared, Kelly said Tuesday he would prepare to have three quarterbacks ready to play against the Cougars.

Rees, suspended for the opener against Navy in Dublin because of a spring arrest, replaced Golson in close games against Purdue and Michigan this season. He also finished the Fighting Irish's game-tying drive Saturday before leading them to their winning score in overtime.