Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer September 23, 2023, 7:35 p.m. ET
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- College football reporter.
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
- Graduated from Northwestern University.
Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken fibula in Friday’s game at Purdue, sources told ESPN.
Mellusi was injured in the fourth quarter of Wisconsin’s 38-17 win when Purdue’s Kydran Jenkins fell on his left leg after a tackle. The Badgers senior left the field on a cart but then flew back to Wisconsin with the team. Mellusi had 307 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries before the injury, including 39 yards on 11 carries against Purdue.
Starting running back Braelon Allen acknowledged Mellusi after a touchdown run in the final minutes by making a heart sign with his hands and holding up a single finger for Mellusi’s jersey number.
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“If we lose him for a while, it’s going to be tough,” Badgers coach Luke Fickell said after the game. “Not only is he a great football player for us, he is not only a great support. He is the heart and soul of our work because of what he has been through, all the ups and downs and the hurt. Having that with his attitude plays a big role. Even if he can’t walk for a while, he will still play a big role in what we do.”
Mellusi is in his third season at Wisconsin after transferring from Clemson. He started nine games in 2021 and has 1,595 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a Badger. Since Mellusi suffered the injury in the fourth game this fall, he could return for a sixth season in 2024.
Sophomore Jackson Acker is expected to take on a larger role alongside Allen in Mellusi’s absence.