Coming off a 203-yard performance against Northwestern, Indiana running back Lee Beebe, Jr. appeared destined for another big opportunity this weekend at Rutgers.
But instead, Beebe, Jr. appeared on the IU availability report Thursday evening with a questionable tag. He was not on the Wednesday report, which suggests he had some sort of setback Thursday.
The addition of Beebe, Jr. means all of Indiana’s top four running backs are on the availability report. Khobie Martin is out with a broken arm, Turbo Richard is probable with an ankle injury, and Sean Cuono is questionable with an unknown injury.
IU only has five scholarship running backs on the roster, and first-year Jayreon Campbell is the only one who is not dealing with an injury.
It’s not clear where Indiana might turn for added depth at running back.
Head coach Curt Cignetti was asked last week whether he has contingency plans at the position, but he didn’t get specific.
“Yeah, in the back of my mind I’ve thought all this stuff through,” he said.
One option is first-year linebacker Henry Ohlinger, who was a star running back in high school. He had 1,582 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns as a high school junior.
Beyond Beebe, Jr., there were no other changes to the Indiana availability report issued Wednesday.
Rutgers star running back Antwan Raymond is also questionable.
