Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright will be sidelined indefinitely due to a health condition, according to head coach Matt Rhule, who made the announcement on Saturday.
Wright, who was spotted in street clothes at practice on Friday, is expected to return soon, Rhule stated. “He should be fine, but he can’t play right now because of the condition,” Rhule explained. Wright, who had been performing well with Nebraska’s top defensive unit during fall camp, recorded 51 tackles and two interceptions last season in his first year as a linebacker. Throughout his time at Nebraska, Wright has faced challenges with injuries and blood clots.
“He was playing at an elite level,” Rhule said. “We have other players like Mikai Gbayor, Stefon Thompson, Vincent Shavers, Gage Stenger, and Vince Genatone who can step up and make plays. The strength of the unit will remain strong. I really wanted to see Javin get his chance to play. He’s worked incredibly hard, and I believe he has the potential to play professionally. We’re optimistic that his condition will improve, and he’ll be back eventually, but for now, he’s out.”
Last season, Nebraska rotated four or five players at the inside linebacker position, and they’ll need to replace Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer this year. Gbayor, John Bullock, and Wright were crucial to Nebraska’s defense last season, and the additions of Syracuse transfer Stefon Thompson, freshman Vincent Shavers, and Montana transfer Vincent Genatone have bolstered the group’s depth.
Javin Wright
“We have a philosophy here where we expect players to prove us right, not wrong,” Rhule said. “When it’s your time to play, I expect you to perform well. I know Mikai can play; I’ve seen it. I have no doubts about Shavers either. There might be some freshman mistakes, but I believe in him completely. I’m excited to see these guys step up. My heart goes out to Javin, but I think better days are ahead. I don’t foresee any adjustments being necessary. This is why we practice hard and give everyone reps, so when their time comes, they’re ready to go.”
Leave a Reply