Right now, Mellusi’s departure leaves Tawee Walker as Wisconsin’s likely leader in the backfield entering the rest of the season. Cade Yacamelli projects to be the primary backup, with true freshman Darrion Dupree also figuring into the mix.

Running back Chez Mellusi, the Wisconsin Badgers' leading rusher, is stepping away from the team to focus on getting healthy after battling injuries, the school announced Friday.

Wisconsin won’t have its leading rusher when it attempts to bounce back from a two-game skid. The Badgers said Chez Mellusi is stepping away from the team on at least a temporary basis as he works to get healthy.