Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright ruled out indefinitely due to medical condition, per Matt Rhule

Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright has been sidelined indefinitely with a medical condition, Huskers coach Matt Rhule announced.

Rhule expects Wright to return at some point this season but isn’t sure of an exact timeline. The fifth-year Arizona native has battled blood clots and various injuries since arriving on campus in 2019.

The 2023 season was the first time Wright was able to play a full season for the Huskers due to his injuries and medical issues. He totaled 51 tackles (20 solo) to go with 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions as a mainstay within the Huskers defensive unit. Before that, he had totaled nine tackles in his first three years on campus.

As a redshirt senior heading into 2024, Wright will look to maintain his health in time to suit up for the Huskers in his fifth season with the program.

While losing Wright for an undisclosed amount of time. Nebraska, which returned some key pieces from last season, ranked as the nation’s No. 13 scoring defense as well as ranked No. 11 in total defense last year in Rhule’s inaugural season in 2023. They’re expected to build on that in 2024 under his guidance.

With Wright working on his health, Mikai Gbayor and transfer Stefon Thompson will be the main linebackers Rhule is expected to rely on heading into the 2024 regular season.

One of Nebraska’s biggest strengths lies in its defensive line unit. Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson and Jimari Butler will have to step up even more with their numbers down in the middle of Nebraska’s unique 3-3-5 defense.

While things appear to be looking up for the Cornhuskers’ defensive unit during the 2024 season, the Huskers still finished last year with a 5-7 record and left a lot to be desired on the offensive side of the ball.

Questions surrounding much of Nebraska’s offensive unit have yet to be answered, including who the starting quarterback will be, the Huskers’ fate may rest in their defense’s hands once they begin their regular season on Aug. 31 against UTEP.

A Week 2 matchup against Colorado may provide the first real test the defensive unit will see before Big Ten Conference play begins in Week 4 at home against Illinois. Matchups against the Ohio State Buckeyes, USC Trojans and Wisconsin Badgers will also provide interesting matchups for Rhule’s defensive unit down the stretch this season as well.