Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright out indefinitely due to 'health condition'
With the season opener against UTEP just two weeks away, Nebraska’s defense has a significant personnel loss to address.
Head coach Matt Rhule announced Saturday that projected starting inside linebacker Javin Wright was out indefinitely with “a health condition that we’re working through right now.”
“I’ll probably leave it at that until he’s ready to talk more about it,” Rhule added.
Rhule said the fifth-year senior would still be with the team and expected Wright to recover fully.
“He should be OK, but he can’t play right now…” Rhule said. “The outlook is that it can be resolved, and he’ll be back at some point. But he’ll be out for right now.”
The news was yet another frustrating setback for Wright, as health and injury issues have plagued his football career.
Two blood clot diagnoses nearly ended Wright’s playing days three years ago and forced him to take blood thinners for almost an entire year. That came after he battled back from three consecutive season-ending injuries, including two MCL tears.
“I’ve weathered the storm,” Wright said at the start of fall camp. “I’ve already been through hell and back several times. Now that I’m in this position today, I’m mentally strong. People can never take that away from me. I’m already mentally tough.”
Rhule expects a next-man-up mentality at ILB
While Rhule’s heart went out to Wright, he also expressed confidence in Nebraska filling the void at inside linebacker.
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Rhule mentioned Mikai Gbayor, who started four games last season, as the likely next man up. The coach also said guys like Syracuse transfer Stefon Thompson, freshman Vincent Shavers, and sophomores Gage Stenger and Vince Genatone would vault up the rotation.
“I know Mikai can play; I’ve seen it,” Rhule said. “I’ve got no doubt about V9 (Shavers). There might be a freshman moment here or there, but I’ve got no doubts about him. None. So, I’m excited to see those guys go. I hate it for Javin. My heart breaks for Javin, but I think better days are ahead.”
There was no sugarcoating the impact of Wright’s absence, as Rhule said he was “playing at an elite level” this fall. But the Huskers are confident that others will rise to the occasion.
“It’s all the work we’ve put in the whole time…” Rhule said. “We have a belief here where we let the players prove us right. We don’t let them prove us wrong. When it’s time for you to go in, I expect you to play well.”
“I think the strength of that unit will be fine,” Rhule added, “but I just really wanted to see Javin have the opportunity to play. He worked so hard, and I believe he’s a pro player.”
