Nebraskas Gabe Ervin Jr., Rahmir Johnson, Dwight Bootle II out for season with injuries

June 18, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. — Two of Nebraska’s top three running backs suffered season-ending injuries Saturday in the Huskers’ home opener, a 35-11 win against Northern Illinois, coach Matt Rhule said Monday.

Sophomore Gabe Ervin and junior Rahmir Johnson will both need surgery — Ervin for a dislocated hip and Johnson for a dislocated shoulder. Ervin, the starter in all three games for Nebraska, leads the team with 196 rushing yards on 38 attempts. Johnson rushed for 65 yards on 12 attempts.

“My heart really hurts for those two guys,” Rhule said. True freshman cornerback Dwight Bootle II will also need season-ending surgery for a shoulder injury.

Senior Anthony Grant will take over at running back. The injuries decimate a position group that was already thin after the spring transfer to Miami of Ajay Allen, a true freshman standout last year.

Ervin serves as a team leader and was to be a workhorse for the Huskers. He won the starting job in the offseason after injuries cut short his promising first two seasons at Nebraska.

Behind Grant, Nebraska will look to redshirt freshman Emmett Johnson and true freshman Kwinten Ives. Neither has played in a game with the Huskers, who are 1-2 with Louisiana Tech headed to Lincoln on Saturday.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

How do the injuries impact Nebraska?

They’re significant. Nebraska is already dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined No. 1 quarterback Jeff Sims on Saturday. He practiced Sunday, but the position is unsettled after Heinrich Haarberg accounted for 256 yards and three touchdowns against NIU. Additionally, top receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda suffered a season-ending injury on Aug. 31 in the opener at Minnesota.

The running back situation further destabilizes an offense that has yet to find a solid rhythm this year. Grant led Nebraska in rushing last year with 915 yards on 218 carries. He’s gained 73 yards on 16 carries this season and missed the Sept. 9 Colorado game after his fourth-quarter fumble led to Minnesota’s game-tying touchdown. Grant struggled with ball security also in preseason camp.

“It’s his show now,” Rhule said Monday. “It’s time for him to go … When he’s right, he’s right. He’s really good. I think he’ll be a dynamic player for us on offense. And he’s going to step up.”

Required reading

(Photo of Gabe Ervin Jr.: Steven Branscombe / Getty Images)

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