Nebraska football has surprise injury ahead of Northern Iowa game

Editors Note: After Nebraska football's 34-3 win, head coach Matt Rhule said that Mazzccua was held out of the game based on a "coach's decision" and he might elaborate some other time.

After last week's win over the Colorado Buffaloes, it's safe to say that there hasn't been much in the way of angst this week for Nebraska football fans. However, just a few hours before the Huskers are due to kick off their contest against Northern Iowa, it appears there's something to worry about.

Nebraska officially released its availability report for tonight's game and there was a surprise addition. Offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua is officially out for the game against the Panthers.

There had been no inkling that the offensive lineman was hurt this week, so either they were hoping he would be able to play, or something happened in the last 48 hours that has the Nebraska football staff thinking he can't go.

On the one hand, if there is a game on the schedule where the Huskers can stand to be out a starting offensive lineman, Northern Iowa would be the game.

Nebraska football has surprise injury ahead of Northern Iowa game

If there is a concern in regards to the starting offensive lineman, it's more about the season moving forward. More than likely, either Mazzccua is either under the weather, or they're just going to let him rest after the first two games and he's just a little banged up.

However, next week, the Huskers open the Big Ten slate and they do so against Illinois. That's not going to be an easy game and NU is going to need all hands on deck.

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule will likely address the missed game after tonight's contest. For now, it's anyone's guess on who might start in Micah Mazzccua's place.

Tyler Knaak or Henry Lutovsky are the most likely options for the Nebraska football team on Saturday night.