Nebraska (0-3, 0-1 Big Ten) senior nose tackle Mick Stoltenberg has officially been deemed out for Saturday afternoon’s game against Purdue (1-3, 0-1), according to the Big Ten Network.

Stoltenberg, one of four team captains, was on notably seen on crutches earlier this week with an undisclosed injury. He has battled specific and chronic knee ailments throughout his college career.

A vocal leader, Stoltenberg has seen action in 25 games as a Blackshirt. He posted a career-high 33 tackles in 2017.

“Mick’s a great guy,” defensive line coach Mike Dawson said prior to Week 1, per the Omaha World-Herald. “He’s a clear, distinct leader as far as the program goes. He’s smart in what he says, he talks to other people. He’s very passionate about what we’re all trying to do. Mick’s been awesome since the day we got here.”

HuskersHQ.com reports that the Cornhuskers will go with junior Carlos Davis — who played some nose at Michigan and normally plays defensive end — as his replacement. Davis brings plenty of playing experience, having recorded 71 tackles (10.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks in 27 games.

Nebraska-Purdue will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.