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With many Rutgers fans hoping for an upset in Lincoln today as the Scarlet Knights (1-2) take on a reeling Nebraska (1-2), there is some bad news to report right before kickoff. Leading receiver and return specialist Janarion Grant has been ruled out of today’s game and apparently didn't travel with the team.
No Janarion Grant today for Rutgers. Waiting for more clarification, but we're told he did not make the trip.
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) September 23, 2017
SOURCE: Janarion Grant is out for #Rutgers vs. #Huskers. https://t.co/QTY3nYUnro #njfootball
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) September 23, 2017
Grant exited last week’s game against Morgan State in the first half and appeared to be hobbling a bit. On Thursday, Head coach Chris Ash had this to say on Grant’s status to NJ Advance Media’s Ryan Dunleavy:
"We hope so," Ash said after Thursday's practice. "Don't know yet. Time will tell."
Obviously, not having Grant for a winnable, but challenging game in the first road contest of the season and Big Ten opener is disappointing. He leads Rutgers with 12 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. Grant is also tied for the NCAA record in combined kickoff & punt returns for a touchdown with 8, but he’ll have to wait at least a week to have another opportunity to break it.
Look for Jawuan Harris, last season’s leading receiver who stepped up after Grant was lost after week 4 in 2016, to get a chance to make an impact today. After being suspended for the season opener, Harris has yet to make a catch in the past two games.
With the loss of Grant, Rutgers will look to break their fourteen game losing streak in Big Ten play without their best playmaker.