Head coach Matt Rhule began his weekly press conference Monday with news that has become all too often this season.
Four key offensive players will miss time due to injury, including two lineman who are out for the season.
Junior offensive lineman Turner Corcoran (foot) and Ethan Piper (knee) will miss the rest of the season due to injuries that require surgery. Senior lineman Nouredin Nouili will be sidelined for several weeks due to an unexplained ailment. Senior Billy Kemp IV’s MCL sprain sidelined him for many weeks, further depleting the receiver room.
The offensive line hits are new, as the Huskers have used the same starters in every game this season. Rhule feels confidence in the new faces after three of the five have already been released.
“Last game I thought a lot of guys stepped up when their number was called,” he went on to say. “I expect them to step up and I expect our veteran players to play their best football.”
Sophomores Henry Lutovsky and Teddy Prochazka, as well as redshirt freshman Justin Evans-Jenkins, will fill in on the offensive line. Lutovsky and Prochazka both have starting experience, with Prochazka becoming more active in the offense as he recovered from a knee ailment, featuring in extra blocker sets during the last month.
“[Prochazka] can absolutely play at a super high level,” Rhule told ESPN. “He’s at full speed now, that knee is healthy and he’s ready to go.”
Evans-Jenkins earned significant playing time for the first time in his career against Northwestern, playing both guard and center after junior Ben Scott was injured. Rhule “can’t say enough” about his performance on Saturday and is certain he will maintain the momentum moving forward.
Kemp IV’s injury eliminates another receiver from Nebraska’s roster, forcing freshman Jaidyn Doss to take the primary slot receiving role. Rhule highlighted the prospect of Doss’ redshirt going to waste given he has already played in two games, but isn’t concerned because Doss will be a crucial part of the offensive in kemp iv’s absence
