Nebraska football starting linebacker is out ‘indefinitely’

Depth is always important and the Nebraska football team got another reminder of that recently as projected starting linebacker Javin Wright is out indefinitely due to a “health issue” according to head coach Matt Rhule.

Nebraska suffered a significant loss with projected starting inside linebacker Javin Wright out indefinitely due to a "health condition." #Huskers

Story: https://t.co/kZMNYF4Jbq pic.twitter.com/7rnYtdD9ve

— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) August 17, 2024

Wright, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound senior out of Chandler, Arizona was expected to play a key role for the Nebraska football defense at inside linebacker.

Thoughts on LB depth chart for Nebraska football

Last season, Wright played in all 12 games for the Huskers and had 51 tackles to go along with two interceptions, two pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and 0.5 sacks.

Wright was expected to start at inside linebacker alongside John Bullock. Now, the door is open for some others such as true freshman Vincent Shavers, who has turned heads this fall after doing the same thing during the spring.

Stefon Thompson, a transfer from Syracuse, who played under Tony White for the Orange, could have a bigger role because of the injury. Mikai Gbayor could also be a factor at inside linebacker after making four starts last season.

Dylan Rogers is another name to know. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker has been overshadowed a little by Shavers but he could get some snaps on the interior after redshirting last season.

So even though it’s brutal to lose Wright, Nebraska football at least some has solid depth options. Rhule said “indefinitely” but you don’t know if that means Wright will miss the entire 2024 season or not.

Wright only played in two games in his first three seasons for Nebraska football due to injury so it’s a huge bummer to see him sidelined again.

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