Running back Corey Clement has been out for the better part of two-and-a-half games for the Wisconsin Badgers. We were all told it was due to a strained groin and it was just a matter of when, not if Clement would return to the field.
So much for that, as head coach Paul Chryst revealed that Clement will be out 4-6 weeks after having surgery to repair a sports hernia — an injury far different from a strained or pulled groin.
“Corey has been dealing with some issues since before the Alabama game,” Chryst said in a statement. “He has been undergoing treatment since that time and has seen some progress but not to the point where our medical staff is satisfied. So after the consultation with our medical staff, Corey has decided to have surgery.”
Clement came in to the season with over 1,500 yards to his name and was widely considered one of the top running backs in the Big Ten. However, he got just eight carries in the matchup against Alabama down in Dallas, Texas.
It was supposed to be a big season for Clement, looking to step out of the enormous shadow that Melvin Gordon created for any running back following in his wake. Now it is unlikely that Clement is going to have the impact he wanted to have all offseason.
“I feel bad for Corey that this is impacting his season, because I know how hard he works and how important this football team is to him,” Chryst added. “We are very confident that he will make a full recovery after the surgery and I know he will attack his rehab so he can get back on the field as soon as he can.”
Clement’s injury is especially hurtful as he’ll miss at least the Iowa, Nebraska and Purdue games in Big Ten play along with the Hawaii matchup. Should he be out the full six weeks, he’ll also miss the Illinois and Rutgers games.
It all means the running back position gets a little thinner and the opportunities for Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale get bigger. The duo has combined for 339 of the Badgers’ 427 yards and four of the teams’ six touchdowns on the ground.
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