The Badgers spent the first four games of the season primarily splitting carries between Tawee Walker and Chez Mellusi. Sophomore Cade Yacamelli received a sprinkling of action and freshman Darrion Dupree appeared to be making a push to get into the mix as ...

Wisconsin got some unexpected news on Thursday, when longtime running back Chez Mellusi announced that he was stepping away from the program due to a health-related reason. In the first game without their veteran, Tawee Walker filled the RB1 role during the Badgers' 52-6 blowout win over Purdue.

With Mellusi now leaving the program, it’s on Walker to take the next step and become the No. 1 for the Badgers going forward. “You just got to capitalize on your opportunities,” Walker said ahead of the game.

Wisconsin could be without its leading rusher for the rest of the season. The Badgers said Thursday that Chez Mellusi would be stepping away from the team in an attempt to “get his body healthy.” Mellusi has rushed for 232 yards so far this season.

The choice from the running back was obviously a shocker, as Mellusi had been a significant part of the game plan in all four games for Wisconsin, but it was

Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi is stepping away from the team in an effort to get completely healthy from injuries that have hindered his career in Madison.

"We want people to know that Chez is going to step away from the team for now and work to get his body healthy," was the team's statement. Wisconsin won't have its leading rusher when it attempts to bounce back from a two-game skid.