Running Back Chez Mellusi Stepping Away From the Badgers

Running back Chez Mellusi will be taking some time away from the Badgers according to Colton Bartholomew of BadgerExtra.

Mellusi, a sixth year senior, leads the Badgers this season with 232 rushing yards, but will now step away from the team indefinitely. According to the report, Mellusi's body hasn't responded how he had hoped after years of injuries, and he will use the time to rehab.

Over the past few seasons, Mellusi has sufferend a torn ACL, a broken arm and a gruesome broken leg. He has worked hard to make it back to the field, but it appears the injuries have taken a bigger toll than first thought.

The news comes just days after Fickell announced he wants to get away from the running back by committee approach. Most likely Tawee Walker will now handle the bulk of the carries with Cade Yacamelli and the young freshman used sparingly. Fickell initially thought that the decision of who would start was up in the air, but it's moot now as Mellusi steps away.

It's been a long road filled with injuries for Mellusi who now has a nebulous future with the Badgers. He could medically redshirt and return for another year, but his spot on the depth chart may no longer be available. Time will tell, but in the meantime hopefully he can use the time to get fully recovered.