Nebraska Football: WR Marcus Washington news big blow to unit

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule confirmed on Tuesday that wide receiver Marcus Washington would be out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

The injury occurred in Friday’s game against Illinois. It came right after he made an impressive 39-yard catch. He went to go block later in the drive and came up holding his knee. He did not return to the game.

This is a major blow to a wide receiver group that is still trying to find their identity and stride. Washington had eight catches for 176 yards on the season. He was a veteran presence in the room, and one of the more dependable players given his experience. Now, Nebraska football have to rely on some of the younger players to step up.

WR Marcus Washington tore his ACL and is out for the season.

— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) October 10, 2023

Malachi Coleman, Jaylen Lloyd, and Jaidyn Doss will have to be the ones that carry the torch from here on out at wide receiver. Coleman made an impact statistically in Friday’s game. He recorded one catch for five yards in his first action of the season.

This is certainly not ideal, given that all three of the above-mentioned receivers do not have a ton of experience. Nevertheless, we know they have explosive ability. This will give them an opportunity to show what they are made of early on.

This could also help Nebraska football’s development in future years, as these three continue to gain experience. Having consistent depth at wide receiver has been an issue for the program in past years. Getting these three early playing time could help alleviate the depth issue down the road.

This is certainly a tough end to Washington’s season. He was a dependable player last year for Nebraska football in particular, as Casey Thompson got adjusted under center. Now, the underclassmen will take the reins in a glimpse of the future.