As Nebraska prepares for what is quickly becoming a “must-win” game against Washington, two Nebraska veterans were added to Thursday's Big Ten injury report. The Huskers have lost one of their offensive linemen to injury (or at least appear to have) just as that unit is struggling to open holes for the running game.
Offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula, who missed the end of the Oregon game because of a concussion, was ruled out in Thursday's injury update. Gottula has been a valuable swing player for the Huskers this season, playing both guard and tackle at various points. Gottula has started five games at right tackle and two at left guard for the Big Red this season, making Nebraska's offensive line rotation a bit thinner for Saturday's matchup.
Also on Nebraska's injury report for the first time on Thursday was linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr., listed as questionable in Thursday night's update. Shavers has played in every game this season and has one start. He has 29 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks this season.
Gottula’s addition to the injury list, after suffering the concussion and then seemingly being ready to go on Wednesday, means that he must have taken a step back in his recovery. That’s bad news for Gottula and bad news for the rest of the season.
For the Washington Huskies, it appears head coach Jedd Fisch is still playing games with who will be the starting quarterback on Saturday. That’s not surprising considering he wouldn’t announce a starter before the game.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was upgraded from questionable to probable. Reserve running back Jayden Limar was also upgraded from questionable to probable in Thursday's update. Limar has carried 12 times for 47 yards and one touchdown for the Huskies this season.
The Washington starting quarterback will be a game-time decision between Williams, who missed Washington's last game at Purdue, and Elijah Brown, who led the Huskies to a win but threw three interceptions.
Full Nebraska and Washington injury reports from Thursday
Nebraska Report
OUT
- DB Jamir Conn
- OL Gunnar Gottula
- DL Anthony Jones Jr.
- WR Larry Miles
- DB Kahmir Prescott
- RB Vincent Genatone
- LB Jase Reynolds
- LB Jacob Bower
- DL Gabe Moore
QUESTIONABLE
- LB Vincent Shavers Jr.
PROBABLE
RB Isaiah Mozee
DL Riley Van Poppel
Washington Report
OUT
- RB Jordan Washington
- WR Christian Moss
- Edge Ramzak Fruean
- RB Quaid Carr
- OL Landen Hatchett
- S CJ Christian
DOUBTFUL
- RB Ansu Sanoe
- OL Justin Hylkema
- OL Jake Flores
- QUESTIONABLE
- LB Xe'ree Alexander
- RB Trey Cooley
PROBABLE
- LB Jacob Manu
- QB Demond Williams Jr.
- RB Jayden Lima
Nebraska will face off against Washington on Saturday at 7 pm. One more piece of good news is that running back Jamal Rule again wasn't on the availability report. Barring a sudden setback, the true freshman appears good to go against the Huskies.
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