Cam Porter injury update: Latest on Northwestern RB

Northwestern running back Cam Porter is expected to be a gametime decision Saturday against No. 23 Indiana, a source tells On3. The team’s leading rusher in 2023 missed the Washington game two weeks ago as the Wildcats failed to establish a running game.

The senior running back has rushed for 1,504 yards in his career. In three games this season, Porter’s carried the ball 44 times for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Northwestern rushed for only 59 yards in last week’s 24-5 loss.

The Wildcats enter Saturday 2-2 on the season. Indiana is 5-0 and on its longest winning streak since the 1987 season. It’s only the third time in program history that the Hoosiers opened the season 5-0.

“Cam’s definitely trending in the right direction,” Northwestern head coach David Braun said earlier this week. “If there’s anyone that’s going to work their tails off to make sure they’re back, it’s Cam Porter.”

Porter has also been a factor in the passing game, posting 42 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown in his career. Indiana is favored by 13.5 entering Saturday’s game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.

The Wildcats are seeking their first win over a power-conference team, with wins over Miami (Ohio) and Eastern Illinois. Northwestern needs Porter and the ground game on Saturday. Indiana allows just 82 yards rushing per game (12th in FBS) and only 2.83 yards per carry (tied for 13th).

Indiana has lost eight straight road games in the series. The Hoosiers’ last win in Evanston, Illinois, came in 1993.

“We’re not playing at the level that we want to, but I think there’s a lot of areas that we’re excited about to see some breakthrough in,” Braun said. “Up until Washington, I thought we were doing a great job of establishing the run game.”