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 running back Chez Mellusi is stepping away from the team in an attempt to heal from injuries, the team announced Thursday. Mellusi leads the Badgers in carries (56), yards (232) and is tied with Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker for the team lead in rushing touchdowns (three).

Some significant news broke on Thursday evening: Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi is leaving the Badgers program. The news was first reported by BadgerExtra’s Colten Bartholomew and has since been confirmed by numerous others. Related: A look at Wisconsin football’s updated two-deep depth chart after Chez Mellusi’s departure

Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi is one of the nation's most underrated college football players. Mellusi, who began his college career at

According to a statement released by the program, sixth-year senior running back Chez Mellusi has decided to step away from the football team to concentrate on rehabbing injuries that have hindered his ability to perform at the level many were expecting.

Mellusi, who transferred to Wisconsin in 2021 from Clemson, has battled injuries in his three years with the Badgers.

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.

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.

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.