Sad News: Crushed Dreams: Nebraska’s Running Game Shattered as Two Key Players Suffer Injuries

The running back corps for the Huskers just got much thinner.

The seasons of junior backup Rahmir Johnson (shoulder) and sophomore starter Gabe Ervin Jr. (hip) have been cut short, according to head coach Matt Rhule of Nebraska football, who made the announcement on Monday. The injuries happened during Saturday’s victory over Northern Illinois for Nebraska.

This indicates that redshirt freshman Emmett Johnson and true freshman Kwinton Ives will support senior Anthony Grant, who is once again ranked first, exactly as he was the previous season. “Those will be the first three tailbacks into the game this week,” Rhule stated.

Dwight Bootle, a rookie defensive back, is also lost for the season after suffering a shoulder injury on Saturday. Better news: Cameron Lenhardt, a rookie defensive lineman who sprained his ankle during Saturday’s game, is anticipated to return to practice on Tuesday.

According to Rhule, quarterback Jeff Sims, who replaced Heinrich Haarberg due to an ankle injury sustained on Saturday, resumed practice on Sunday. In the game against Louisiana Tech this Saturday, Rhule did not specify who might start at centre.
“I won’t make any comments until game time, just for competitive reasons, obviously,” Rhule stated. “We’ll try to get all three quarterbacks ready to play this week.”

For more from Rhule’s Monday media appearance, scroll below. Click here to view the most recent additions. An asterisk suggests that this item might need a subscription.