Here’s Nebraska’s options at linebacker without Javin Wright

Starting inside linebacker Javin Wright will be “out indefinitely” with a “health condition,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said Saturday. Wright, the son of former NU defender Toby Wright, has battled injuries throughout his career and also had surgery related to blood clots in 2021. 

“I’ve weathered the storm,” Wright said in late July. “I’ve already been through hell and back several times. Now that I’m in this position today, I’m mentally strong. And people can never take that away from me.”

Rhule did not disclose the health condition. Wright could talk more about it at a later date.

“He should be OK,” Rhule said. “He can’t play right now as a result.”

John Bullock is slated to start at inside linebacker, as well. NU has Mikai Gbayor, Stefon Thompson, Vince Genatone, Gage Stenger and Vincent Shavers as the position to fill Wright’s absence. 

Gbayor played at both Jack linebacker and inside linebacker in 2023. He helped fill in for former Huskers Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich when they got injured or sick last season. 

“I know Mikai can play,” Rhule said. “I’ve seen it.”

Thompson transferred in from Syracuse, where he’d played defense for current NU defensive coordinator Tony White. Genatone, a North Platte graduate, transferred in from Montana. Stenger, a Millard South graduate, has developed over several seasons. Shavers, a true freshman, has impressed throughout spring and training camp, leaving Rhule with “no doubts” about his readiness.

“The strength of that unit will be fine,” Rhule said. “You just wanted to see Javin have an opportunity to play. He’d worked so hard.”