As expected, linebacker Carson Bruener has been a vital piece of the Washington Huskies’ defense in 2024. He has excelled as a run defender and has been an impressive pass rusher, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks when asked to blitz by defensive coordinator Steve Belichick.
He’s also Washington’s signal caller on defense and the team’s second-leading tackler behind his running mate, Alphonzo Tuputala. When he ran off the field midway through the fourth quarter during the Apple Cup, clutching at his shoulder, rightfully so, Husky fans were concerned.
But it appears he dodged a bullet and avoided any major injury.
“I think he’ll be fine,” coach Jedd Fisch said on Monday during his weekly press conference, adding, “Yeah, I believe so,” when asked if the senior will be available to play in Washington’s first Big Ten game against the Northwestern Wildcats.
While Tuputala has been impressive this season, and true freshman Khmori House earned a start and excelled in the Apple Cup, Bruener has shown that he’s the engine of this defense, and his presence will be vital for the Huskies this season.