Nebraska Edge Rusher Anthony Jones to Miss Washington Game
Anthony Jones will sit out Saturday's matchup against Washington after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football
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Nebraska edge rusher Anthony Jones is ruled out for this Saturday's game against Washington due to a broken foot. The defensive starter underwent surgery following the team's 17-14 loss to Oregon two weeks ago.
Why it matters
Jones' absence leaves a gap in the Nebraska defensive front as the team prepares to face Washington this Saturday. Teammates must now increase their production to compensate for the loss of a player who started the first seven games of the 2026 season.
Anthony Jones started the first seven games of the 2026 season for Nebraska. During his career spanning five universities, he has accumulated 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss across 44 total appearances.
The players
Anthony Jones
He is a veteran defensive edge rusher for Nebraska who has played for five different college football programs during his career.
Jeremiah Jones
He is a Nebraska defensive player who is expected to step up in the absence of Anthony Jones this week.
Cameron Lenhardt
He is a Nebraska defender who has contributed to the team's total tackle for loss count during the 2026 season.
The details
Jones played through the injury during the recent 17-14 loss at Oregon, which was decided with 38 seconds remaining. Following that defeat, the defensive player underwent surgery to address the fracture.
Timeline
Late November 2020: Washington originally offered Jones a scholarship.
December 2021: Jones committed to Oregon after flipping from Texas.
Two weeks ago: Nebraska lost 17-14 to Oregon.
Last week: Nebraska utilized a scheduled bye week.
Saturday: Nebraska is set to play Washington.
Season Trajectory
The loss of a starter mid-season forces a realignment of the defensive rotation for the remaining schedule. This shift impacts Nebraska's ability to maintain pressure on opponents while affecting the individual development goals of depth players during the final games.
Nebraska will need immediate contributions from defensive reserves to maintain their current defensive metrics. The absence of Jones shifts the pass-rush responsibility to teammates like Jeremiah Jones and Cameron Lenhardt for the upcoming Washington contest.
The takeaway
Sudden injury to key starters often highlights the importance of roster depth throughout a collegiate season. Fans should monitor the performance of secondary rotation players who gain expanded roles during these recovery periods.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-City Herald.
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Should student athletes risk their long-term health to continue playing through significant injury?
