Rutgers safety Chris Joines will miss the final three games of the season following an internal injury sustained during the team’s recent loss to Wisconsin.
The starting safety, who currently leads the Scarlet Knights in tackles, was injured during the Nov. 7 contest at Camp Randall Stadium, according to Yahoo Sports.
Following the game, Joines was transported to a local hospital and held overnight for observation by medical staff.
Doctors eventually determined that surgery was not required for the player, and he has since been discharged to return to the university, as reported by the Asbury Park Press.
The North Carolina native is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks.
Joines transferred to Rutgers prior to the 2025 season after spending three years at Mercer and has started all nine games this year, recording a team-high 45 tackles.
His absence marks another significant setback for the Scarlet Knights, who have struggled with a growing list of injuries throughout the current season.
The program has already lost right guard Kobe Asamoah and star wide receiver KJ Duff for the remainder of the year, per recent reports from the Asbury Park Press.
Additionally, quarterback Dylan Lonergan has been ruled out for Saturday’s upcoming home game against Nebraska at SHI Stadium.
Lonergan has now missed the last two games due to his own physical ailments.
The team continues to navigate these personnel challenges under head coach Greg Schiano as they head into the final stretch of their schedule.
The loss of Joines leaves a notable void in the secondary for the Scarlet Knights defense.
Despite the difficult news, the medical prognosis for Joines remains positive as he begins his recovery process away from the field.
Rutgers will look to adjust its defensive rotation as they prepare to host the Cornhuskers this weekend.
The university has not released further details regarding the specific nature of the medical observation beyond the initial reports.