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Nebraska Linebacker Javin Wright Out Indefinitely With Medical Condition

The Huskers and coach Matt Rhule will need someone to step up to replace the projected starter at inside linebacker.

Austin Jacobsen

Iowa wide receiver Nico Ragaini, right, gets tackled by Nebraska's Javin Wright during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa wide receiver Nico Ragaini, right, gets tackled by Nebraska's Javin Wright during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. / Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Nebraska football team now has another spot to fill coming after Saturday's press conference.

Sixth-year inside linebacker Javin Wright has been ruled out indefinitely, according to coach Matt Rhule. Rhule led his Saturday presser with the news.

"He has a health condition that we're working through," Rhule said. "I'll probably leave it at that, just until he's ready to talk more about it."

Javin Wright vs Louisiana Tech in 2023
Sep 23, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Dakota Williams is tackled by Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Javin Wright during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Rhule added that Wright has stayed with the team, but he did not provide a timeline as to how long the linebacker could be out.

Wright was tied for second on the team with 51 tackles last season for the Blackshirts. He has also had a history of blood clots, and in 2021 Wright underwent surgery to correct the condition.

Nebraska's linebackers room lost experience and leadership with the graduation of Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich. Returning starter John Bullock and Wright stepped up in 2023 when the senior duo missed time due to injuries and sickness. Mikai Gbayor and transfer Stefon Thompson also bring returning experience to the group.

Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5)
Oct 28, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker John Bullock (5) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska natives Gage Stenger and Vincent Genatone are among those who could step up if called upon. Stenger, a Millard South graduate, was mentioned by the head coach as a potential replacement, and Genatone - originally from North Platte and a Montana transfer - recently was listed as one of the athletic "freaks" in college football this season.

Nebraska continues its final weeks of fall camp before beginning preparation for the season opener Aug. 31 against UTEP.

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Austin Jacobsen
AUSTIN JACOBSEN

Austin Jacobsen is a radio broadcaster and former Sports Director in Central Nebraska. He has seen the Cornhusker state from all corners; growing up in the Panhandle, completing his college degree in Kearney, working in the rural Sandhills, and now residing in Omaha. Austin is a statewide, regional, and national radio award winner and can usually be found at a high school football field on Friday nights and tuning in to the Huskers wherever they travel. If he is not on the road, Austin enjoys movie dates with his girlfriend and their dog, Ava.

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