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Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi is taking a leave from the team to care for his body, the team announced Thursday evening.
The sixth-year senior has suffered a handful of significant injuries during his college career. The latest was a broken leg he suffered against Purdue last season.
Coincidently Mellusi’s leave comes two days before Wisconsin (2-2) faces the Boilermakers (1-3) at Camp Randall Stadium.
Mellusi’s departure was first reported by the Wisconsin State Journal.
The statement from UW read: “We want to let people know that Chez is going to be stepping away from the team for now and working to get his body healthy. He’s endured many injuries and has worked extremely hard to be able to play this year but his body hasn’t responded the way he expected. We’re here to support Chez in any way we can and hope he’ll be back on the football field again one day.”
Mellusi leads the Badgers in rushing attempts (56), rushing yards (232) and is tied for the team lead with three rushing touchdowns.
He returned from his latest injury ahead of schedule and participated in spring practice. He sat out a stretch early in fall camp and in general the coaching staff didn’t overload him with work during the preseason.
More: ESPN projects rough outlook for the rest of Wisconsin football’s 2024 season
During the season he split carries with senior Tawee Walker.
Mellusi’s busiest game was the season opener when he carried 19 times for 74 yards against Western Michigan on Aug. 30. He averaged a season-high 6 yards per carry against Alabama on Sept. 14.
His 10 carries for 32 yards in a loss at USC represented season lows for attempts, yards and rushing average.
In Mellusi’s absence, Walker could be asked to carry more of a load. The team has also gotten production from sophomore Cade Yacamelli. Veteran Jackson Acker is…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-badgers-announce-running-back-003231969.html
Author : Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-10-04 00:32:31
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