A Sudden Setback for Nebraska
Head Coach Matt Rhule broke some troubling news today, in that he announced starting left tackle Teddy Prochazka would be out for the season. Rhule clarified that Prochazka had suffered a knee injury during an open practice session the previous Saturday. Rhule stated it was not the same knee that previously sidelined him.
Prochazka had made an impact last season, starting in six games, including five games down the final stretch of the 2023 season. Nebraska ended up having the second ranked rushing offense in the BIG10. Going into this year, he was the presumed starter, making this injury a crucial blow for Nebraska’s offensive line. His absence leaves a gap, both in skill and in team leadership, something that Nebraska will need to address quickly as they prepare for the upcoming season. Prochazka, the Nebraska kid from Elkhorn, came to Nebraska in 2021 and played in five games as a freshman. His season was ended early when he suffered a season ending injury. In 2022, he started the first three games before enduring another season injury. He was then redshirted. In 2023, he was an academic All-BIG10 and contributed to the aforementioned 2nd ranked rushing offense. The majority of the start of the season he did not start, as he was still recovering from knee surgery. This injury is devasting to the young man, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Who Could Step Up?
Now the big question looming over Nebraska’s camp is: What’s next? Redshirt freshman Gunnar Gottula could be a potential candidate to fill in for Prochazka. Gottula, who redshirted in 2023 but played in four games could get the nod. Another Nebraska kid, from Lincoln, he is slightly smaller than Prochazka, listed at 295 and 6-5. Prochazka is listed at 315 and 6-10. On the other hand, the team could consider moving transfer right tackle Jacob Hood over to the left tackle position. He is a bigger tackle, listed at 350 pounds and 6-8. He is from Nashville, TN and is a sophomore. In 2022, Jacob Hood was a Georgia Bulldog. He redshirted while at Georgia and did not see action. He was a four-start talent, and a top 25 offensive tackle in the 2021 class. In 2023, after transferring to the Huskers, Hood played in one game versus Purdue. The question is now if he has developed enough to take a starting position.
Nebraska has faced challenges before, and while Prochazka’s injury is a major setback, it opens the door for other players to make their mark. As the team regroups and strategizes, it will be interesting to see who steps up and how they perform under the pressure.
Injuries are always tough, but they are a part of the game. Here’s hoping that Prochazka has a successful recovery, and that Nebraska finds the right fit to fill his enormous shoes. Until then, Husker fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and who rises to the occasion.
