Rutgers star linebacker likely to miss remainder of season
PISCATAWAY - Rutgers football will likely be without one of its most impactful defensive players for the remainder of the season.
Coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday linebacker Tyreem Powell will need surgery on his hand, which he injured in Saturday’s 31-14 win over Indiana at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
It’s a tough blow for the defense as Powell was having a stellar season, leading the team with 53 tackles (two for losses) with two sacks and two pass breakups.
The bye week does give Rutgers’ coaching staff some additional time to determine how to make up for the loss.
“We’re going to move some things around probably,” Schiano said following his team’s practice at the Marco Battaglia Practice Complex.
“Next man up.”
Rutgers linebacker depth bolstered by Mohamed Toure
Rutgers does have depth at linebacker. The return of Mohamed Toure, who missed last season with a torn ACL but has played at a high level this season with 50 tackles, has helped.
Rutgers also has a four-star linebacker in Moses Walker, who also missed his true freshman season with a torn ACL.
“Tyreem was playing at a very, very high level so he’ll be a tough player to replace,” Schiano said. “But thank goodness we have some depth. But now that depth will be tested, not only the immediate depth but the young guys behind them. It’s somebody’s opportunity now. They need to step up and take advantage of it. Tyreem will heal up and he’ll be well again, I’m confident in that. It’s just a shame it happened to him.”