Matt Rhule shares update on Marcus Washington's status

Nebraska wideout Marcus Washington is expected to be back and practicing at full speed very soon, head coach Matt Rhule said on Saturday. Rhule had hoped Washington would be available by now, but he’s not overly concerned about the long run.

Washington had a cast on his hand for a broken bone removed earlier this month. And while the recovery cost him a chance to participate in a scrimmage on Saturday, Rhule things he could be on the practice as soon as Monday.

“I was hoping he’d be able to do something today,” Rhule said. “Probably early next week. All signs point to him being healthy for the long run.”

Washington was highly productive for Nebraska in 2022. He caught 31 passes for 471 yards but just one touchdown. His receptions and receiving yard marks were both good for second on the team behind Trey Palmer, who is off to the NFL.

Prior to play at Nebraska, Washington began his career at Texas where he played three seasons before transferring.  

Rhule was previewing Washington’s return at the end of July

Rhule provided an update on Washington’s injury during media availability on July 31.

“Marcus has a broken bone in his hand,” Rhule said. “Suffered in the summer. We think that they’ll take the cast off on Monday, and he’ll be splinted and able to practice on Tuesday. Today he did all the movement running stuff, and then went over with the return to play guys and just ran and stayed in shape. Unfortunate for him but he’ll be back next week.”

Rhule also made an impassioned plea to get another pass catcher eligible

Arik Gilbert’s status for the 2023 season is still up in the air and  Rhule isn’t pulling any punches regarding his feelings for the matter. The Georgia transfer’s waiver has yet to be cleared from the NCAA and with just weeks before the season’s start, time is running out for a decision to be made before the 2023 season.

“It’s not finalized yet. I’m going to be really disappointed if he doesn’t get it. He’s the most deserving young man of that. If he doesn’t get it, the NCAA shouldn’t even have the waiver,” Rhule said. “But there are a lot of parties involved. A lot of entities out there that don’t have people’s best interests at heart. Arik deserves, 100%, in my opinion — in my humble opinion — the great thing about me is that I’ve been through enough that I say what I think.

“If he doesn’t get it, no one should have this waiver.”