The Nebraska Cornhuskers can never seem to get healthy this season. Linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey injured his groin during the 36-33 overtime loss to Miami on Saturday. During Monday’s press conference, coach Mike Riley announced Rose-Ivey’s injury and stated the linebacker will be out “at least four weeks.”
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Coming into the season, the Nebraska linebackers had a certain uniqueness to the unit. Unfortunately, they’ve only had a couple of possessions on the field at the same time. Rose-Ivey was suspended for the season opener against BYU. Upon his return to the lineup in week 2, Josh Banderas and Dedrick Young sat out as a precaution. Therefore, the Miami game was the first time the starting linebackers were on the field together.
“I’m disappointed in that because I was excited for those guys getting healthy and getting to play together,” Riley said.
With Michael Rose-Ivey out of the lineup, Luke Gifford and Marcus Newby will be the top two replacements for the Huskers’ defense. In the long run, the Huskers may have more depth at linebacker, but they will be shorthanded until Rose-Ivey returns.
Now the best-case scenario for the linebackers to play together is in the middle of the Big Ten conference season. It’s still might not be enough time for the unit to gel. With the Huskers falling to (1-2), they need every possible healthy body playing well.
Michael Rose-Ivey isn’t the only defensive player expected to miss time due to injury. Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine was unable to play in the Miami game due to a high ankle sprain. Coach Riley listed Valentine as week to week. The Huskers rush defense suffered without Valentine in the middle. They gave up 125 rushing yards to Joseph Yearby. It was the first time any team had success with a traditional ground attack.
According to Nebraska.247sports.com, Valentine will continue to be replaced by Kevin Williams and Kevin Maurice, if he misses the Southern Mississippi game.
Last season, Michael Rose-Ivey missed every game due to a torn ACL.