Rutgers may be without its starting quarterback and best offensive player for the rest of the season.

Star running back Raheem Blackshear is not expected to play Saturday against Maryland and could redshirt this year, three individuals with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media. Blackshear, a junior, has played in four games this year. If he does not appear in another contest, he will preserve a year of eligibility and have two more seasons left to play. The news was first reported on Rutgers Sports Insider.

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It’s a devastating blow to the Scarlet Knights, who already had one of the nation’s worst offenses and will now be without their top playmaker. Blackshear led Rutgers in rushing and receiving last season and is the team’s leading receiver this season with 29 catches for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

Blackshear’s decision comes two days after sophomore quarterback Artur Sitkowski asked to sit out against the Terrapins as he contemplates whether or not he wants to take a redshirt this season. Sitkowski has played in three games and can appear in one more and still retain a year of eligibility.

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.