Nebraska’s Wednesday injury report brought a few more questions into focus ahead of Saturday’s game against Maryland.
Running back Jamal Rule is listed as doubtful after leaving the Michigan State game in the first half and not returning. Rule was tackled and twisted up on the play, then was checked in the locker room before coming back to the sideline. He tried to get back into the game, but was eventually ruled out.
Wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr., defensive back Tanner Terch and defensive back Bryson Webber are all listed as questionable. Barney left the Spartans game after catching one pass for 12 yards. On Monday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule praised Barney’s durability during his time with the Huskers.
"I'd never bet against Jacory Barney, to be quite honest," Rhule said. "Guy's made out of rubber."
Safety Rex Guthrie and offensive lineman Brendan Black are both listed as probable. Guthrie traveled to East Lansing for Saturday’s game but did not play. He has appeared in three of Nebraska’s four games this season, recording five tackles and an interception in the opener against Ohio, three tackles in the win over Bowling Green and five snaps in the win over North Dakota.
Black limped off in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win, and reserve offensive lineman Gibson Pyle stepped in for him. On Tuesday, Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said there could be a chance to get other offensive linemen into the game, though he did not mention Black specifically.
Nebraska’s out list on Wednesday included wide receiver Larry Miles, defensive back Kahmir Prescott, tight end Carter Nelson, linebackers Gage Stenger, Jase Reynolds and Jacob Bower, and defensive lineman Gabe Moore.
In Other News...
Nebraskas Backfield Suddenly Has A Maryland Problem Fans Will Notice
Nebraskas first injury report for the Maryland game brought some clarity to the backfield, and not all of it was welcome. Running back Jamal Rule was listed as doubtful, while Jacory Barney showed up as questionable, leaving the Cornhuskers with some uncertainty as they continue sorting out who will be available when the Terps come to town.
There was better news up front, where offensive lineman Brendan Black is probable to play, with Gibson Pyle and Gunnar Gottula in line as possible substitutes if needed. The day around Lincoln also includes a notable volleyball matchup, with Nebraska set to face 16th-ranked Penn State on the Big Ten Network, but the injury report is the one that will matter most to fans watching the football side closely. [Read more 🡒]
Maryland Just Got A New Wrinkle In Nebraskas Offensive Outlook
Nebraskas offensive picture got a little clearer and a little cloudier at the same time after the latest injury report ahead of the Maryland game. Freshman running back Jamal Rule is listed as doubtful, junior wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. is questionable, and junior offensive lineman Brendan Black is probable, giving the Cornhuskers a mixed read on who might be available when they take the field.
The more significant concern is at tight end, where junior Carter Nelson is listed as out and expected to miss an extended period. For a Nebraska offense trying to piece together its weekly plan, losing a player with that kind of timeline changes more than just one game-day lineup, and it adds another layer of uncertainty entering a conference matchup that already demanded close attention. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Faces A Dangerous Maryland Test Despite That Ugly Final Score
A lopsided loss can sometimes distort how a team is viewed the next week, and Marylands 54-3 defeat to UCLA is a reminder that Nebraska is not getting a soft landing by any stretch. The Cornhuskers are still preparing for a road test against a Terps team that has already shown defensive strengths, even if the scoreboard from last Saturday looked ugly from start to finish.
Michael Locksley spent the aftermath addressing frustrated fans and noting his routine meeting with the athletic director, while Maryland quarterback Malik Washingtons four interceptions became the most glaring part of the setback. Nebraska has injury concerns of its own to manage, but this matchup still carries the feel of a trap for a team that has to stay sharp against an opponent that may look wounded and dangerous at the same time. [Read more 🡒]