Rutgers Running back Kyle Monangai was held out of Saturday’s game against Minnesota, but not by choice.

“Kyle was close,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “He wanted to play. It killed him not to play today, but don’t mess around. You can’t make fun of a guy. Sometimes you have to protect them from themselves. It’s not an easy thing to do.”

Monangai, who has been injured for at least three weeks, He was substituted in the second half two weeks ago After getting hit in the head Rutgers lost 42-20 to Southern Cal In Los Angeles. The standout shortstop told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday that he expects to play. But Monangai was unavailable. The news came about two and a half hours before the match started and was confirmed once again. Rutgers availability report.

In his absence, two underclassmen kept Rutgers’ backfield intact. True freshman Antwan Raymond, making his first career start, carried 22 carries for 73 yards, while Ja’shon Benjamin added 11 carries for 66 yards, including a key 20-yard rusher in the fourth quarter.

“I’m really proud of these young players,” Schiano said.

Rutgers kept Benjamin out for the first eight games and kept his redshirt this year. Last season, Benjamin carried 45 carries for 172 yards and reached the end zone twice. He said he stuck to the plan.

“My coach always told me ‘be ready, be ready,'” Benjamin said. “I was still learning from Kyle and Sam (Brown), so when I took my time I knew what mistakes I shouldn’t make, learning from two of the best backs in the Big Ten.”

Injuries continued to plague Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights announced the season-ending injury to linebacker Wesley Bailey. Sixth player lost this season.