​Rutgers has lost a veteran starter for the long haul.Kaj Sanders, who started four games for the Scarlet Knights this fall and all 12 games last year, will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, head coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday.Sanders made 13 tackles and deflected one pass in four appearances this fall.Backup defensive back Zahmir Dawud is also out for the remainder of the 2026 season, Schiano said. He made three tackles in two appearances on defense this season.“We have two guys that are done in the secondary,” Schiano said. “A little bit of a hit — actually, a big hit. Kaj is going to be okay. He’ll heal and he’ll get back next year. Zahmir, same thing. I think Zahmir Dawud has a chance. He was hurt all spring and then he got hurt. I feel bad for the kid because he has talent. He can play at this level, but we’ll get him back next year and he’ll be a productive member.”Rutgers moneyline is listed at +641 for Saturday’s Big Ten meeting versus Northwestern on Novig. Also, view our guide to the best sportsbook promos to shop for competitive odds.Rutgers is hoping that cornerback Kevin Levy, who has missed the previous four games, will be back “soon.”MORE BY BRIAN FONSECAIs close Maryland win start of Rutgers turnaround or fool’s gold? 3 reasons for hope, to mopeOct. 20, 2026, 8:48 a.m.Rutgers-Michigan kickoff time announcedOct. 19, 2026, 1:12 p.m.“I don’t know how soon, but soon,” Schiano said.In Sanders’ place, Rutgers started third-year player Sage Clawges against Maryland. He made three tackles and deflected a pass in the victory over the Terrapins.“I thought Sage did well,” Schiano said. “Sage went in there and played well. There’s things that he has to get better at, and he will, but he really ran the defense and did a good job.”Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.