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.
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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 also available and freshmen Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones have promise.
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After UW’s win over South Dakota, Badgers coach Luke Fickell saluted Mellusi, who scored the game-sealing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“Everyone knows you have to battle through injuries and things like that happen and in football it stinks,” Fickell said. “But all the other emotional things he’s had to go through, the ups and the downs, I think I’ve seen him at his best today and this past week and even last week.
“It’s the best I’ve seen him and I just don’t mean playing. I mean as a leader, as a guy who can provide some energy, provide some spark. It’s a great reminder, too us that understand this landscape of college football is changing, that the older ones can grow and continue to grow.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin announces running back Chez Mellusi taking leave from team
