In season-altering news, Wisconsin Badgers lead running back Chez Mellusi will be stepping away from the program for the foreseeable future.
Mellusi, a senior, is leaving the program to focus on rehabbing injuries that haven’t healed expectedly, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Mellusi had returned this season after suffering from a fractured fibula last year.
The running back had averaged 4.1 yards per carry, accumulating 232 yards with three touchdowns in four games. With Mellusi out, senior Tawee Walker will be the presumed starter, with Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli next on the depth chart.
“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,” the program said in a statement. “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 played his first two years at Clemson before transferring to Wisconsin, where he has had an injury-filled yet productive career. He missed the last four games of 2021 with a torn ACL, missed four games in 2022 with a broken bone in his arm and missed nine games last season after his gruesome leg injury.
Despite these injuries, Mellusi has been a consistent offensive threat when healthy, rushing for 1,827 yards and 14 touchdowns in 26 games.
Mellusi has not ruled out a return this season, according to a spokesperson. Mellusi also has the option for a possible return next year if he redshirts this season and a request is granted by the NCAA.
