After a very rough start on Saturday’s game, the Nebraska football team has been mostly all smiles thanks to a second half that saw them outscore Ohio 28-3 after the break. However, those smiles were dimmed a bit on Monday morning when head coach Matt Rhule announced that linebacker Owen Chambliss may not return for Bowling Green.
While Rhule still wasn’t able to give a firm statement on Chambliss’ injury status, he didn’t seem particularly optimistic. When a reporter specifically asked about the transfer linebacker’s return and what that would mean for the Huskers, Rhule said only that he wasn’t sure Chambliss would be back, but that he’s a great player.
Chambliss missed a great deal of Nebraska’s fall camp and preparation for the Ohio game with a hamstring issue. That injury was first disclosed during defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s media availability in late August. At the time, it didn’t seem like Aurich was all that concerned with the issue, despite saying Chambliss had missed a whole week of practice.
Last week, Rhule explained that the linebacker wasn’t quite back from his injury and that he would miss the contest against the Ohio Bobcats. The hope was that the extra week of rest would allow Chambliss to return for Nebraska’s second game of the season. Now that seems unlikely.
Owen Chambliss hamstring injury creates growing concern for Nebraska football
There were plenty of times on Saturday, especially in the first half, when it looked like the Huskers very much could have used the veteran defender on the field. Not only was he one of the best linebackers in the Mountain West last year, but the former San Diego State star played under Aurich in 2025. He understands the new Nebraska defensive coordinator’s game plan better than most on the roster.
If there was a uniform issue with the Blackshirts while they struggled to stop the Bobcats, it was that there seemed to be confusion on several plays. The defense didn’t seem to be flying to the ball the way Aurich has said he wanted as well. Having Chambliss out there to lead his unit and set an example might have changed things quite a bit.
Against Bowling Green, Nebraska shouldn’t need Owen Chambliss to play, but the problem becomes more about just how long he’s going to be out. After their second straight MAC opponent, the Huskers face off against North Dakota, and then it’s the start of Big Ten play. If his hamstring continues to bother him, his absence becomes a pretty massive issue.
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