A few key Huskers had their status change in Friday’s injury report.
Jacory Barney has now been upgraded from questionable to probable for Saturday’s game against Maryland, while running back Jamal Rule has been upgraded from questionable to questionable. His compatriot Mekhi Nelson is still considered questionable.
“I never bet against Jacory Barney, to be completely honest with you,” Matt Rhule said Monday of the wide receiver and returner who exited in the first half last Saturday. “The guy is made of rubber, he does everything he can to play.”
Other likely Huskers still include offensive guard Brendan Black, safety Rex Guthrie and defensive backs Tanner Terch and Bryson Webber.
It’s certain that many eyes will be on the running backs during pregame warmups on Saturday, given that Rule and Nelson are Nebraska’s leading rushers.
With Rule sidelined early in the 31-13 win over Michigan State, Vincent Genatone took over the short yardage role and scored two touchdowns. Rhule said Monday that Genatone could have an expanded role.
On Tuesday, Husker offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen highlighted the coaching work of Isaiah Mozee earlier in the week, who will undoubtedly play a key role when the game tips off at 3 p.m. Saturday.
“We’ve been talking about it since the first day of camp, you’re going to need them all, so get them all ready,” Holgorsen said. “I thought in practice Monday night, Ike (Mozee), he was the best I’ve seen him with the things we were doing with him last night. They’re just going to continue to develop as young running backs.”
Maryland, meanwhile, appears likely to get running back DeJuan Williams, who is now listed as probable for the Terrapins.
Standout running back DeJuan Williams, who hasn’t played since rushing three times for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the opener against Hampton, should provide a boost to Maryland’s running back situation. Running back Iverson Howard is also listed as probable for the Terps.
Williams had 501 rushing yards and 426 yards on 45 receptions a season ago for Maryland. He had 71 yards on 15 touches against Nebraska last year in the Huskers’ 34-31 victory in College Park.
“I expect him to play this weekend. It obviously depends on the reps he needed this week to show us he can play,” Maryland coach Mike Locksley said. according to InsideMDSports. “But we’re still going to evaluate him once we get into the game. Having him back as a weapon is always welcome. We know the rushing attack needs to be more complementary. We don’t want to rely on the quarterbacks to have to do a lot of things. So getting him back healthy, which also helps (Iverson Howard), who ended up missing the last half of last week. He’s back. We’re pretty happy to at least have some weapons.”
Friday Availability Report
Nebraska
Out
WR Larry Miles
DB Kahmir Prescott
TE Carter Nelson
LB Gage Stenger
LB Jase Reynolds
LB Jacob Bower
DL Gabe Moore
Questionable
RB Mekhi Nelson
RB Jamal rule
Likely
WR Jacory Barney Jr.
DB Tanneur Terch
DB Bryson Webber
DB Rex Guthrie
OL Brendan Black
Maryland
Doubtful
LB Trey Reddick
Questionable
LB DD Holmes
WR Jayden Kitchens
Likely
DeJuan Williams
RB Iverson Howard
LB Travares Daniels
LB Darius Grimes
DL Armon Parker
Gn sports
