2016 Merc 150 4stroke won't go into gear

Was on the water today, moving barely above idle and prop stopped turning. Engine runs but does not seem to go into gear. Just happened so have not gotten it into service yet but looking for ideas. Spun hub? Something in the throttle disengage? The last one seems strange as it will throttle, just not going into gear.

I was not running it hard or doing anything unusual, but i had noticed a grinding noise lately when shifting into forward. Hoping nothing serious in the lower.

Any thoughts appreciated and I know anything suggested is a guess with what I provided so any questions are welcome!

Thanks!

Disconnect the shift cable at the motor, put the shifter in forward, and see what happens.

Sounds like the cable is misadjusted.

Jeff

Possible shift cable retainer opened on the engine end.