Why isn’t Decoldest Crawford playing for Nebraska vs. Northwestern? Injury update on knee of Cornhuskers receiver

Nebraska will face Northwestern on Saturday without the biggest and most recognizable name on the roster: Decoldest Crawford.

Crawford, who has yet to play a down for the Cornhuskers, is the subject of one of the coolest NIL deals in college sports — literally. Crawford used his first name to advertise an Omaha, Neb. HVAC service company called SOS Heating and Cooling.

Unfortunately, the Louisiana freshman will not be able to qualify for Nebraska’s season opener against the Wildcats in Dublin, which could potentially be a must for fifth-year coach Scott Frost.

The Sporting News has everything you need to know about Crawford’s absence from the game, and when he’s likely to play in his first action this season:

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Why is Decoldest Crawford not playing for Nebraska?

Crawford will miss at least Saturday’s game while he recovers from a knee injury that Frost says will keep him away “for an extended period of time”.

“It was in our last scrimmage,” Frost confirmed to reporters Aug. 13 (via the Lincoln Journal Star). “It was the only major injury we picked up and it felt awful for him but he will come back strong.”

Crawford was one of Nebraska’s key signings of the Class of 2022. The Shreveport, La. wide receiver was a longtime commitment to LSU but eventually switched to the Cornhuskers. Crawford, a three-star player, was ranked as the No. 69 receiver. No. 464. Total Players; and No. 3 Nebraska signee in the 2022 class according to 247Sports composite rankings.

However, Frost said the receiving corps in 2022 is “deeper than ever” and could withstand Crawford’s injury.

“I think we’re in deeper than we’ve ever been with guys who are able to go onto the field,” Frost said.

I think we’ll be able to do our best on the field if we have to and (when we’re) rotating we feel like there’s not a big drop off.

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When will Decoldest Crawford return?

Frost has not given a timeline for Crawford’s return from his injury, nor has he provided any updates since he originally confirmed the news in mid-August.

Crawford’s timeline for a potential return will depend on how well he rehabs and the type of injury he sustained, the latter of which was not specified by Nebraska.

When is Nebraska vs. Northwestern?

Kickoff is scheduled for August 27 at 12:30 p.m. ET. It will be 5:30pm Dublin time.