The injury news finally broke Nebraska’s way this week. Safety Jamir Conn and offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula, both listed as questionable on Tuesday’s first Big Ten availability report, moved up to probable on the updated report, Husker Corner reported.
That is two starters potentially back for a team that needs a win in the worst way. Nebraska (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten) plays at Illinois Friday at 7 p.m. CT on FOX, carrying a three-game losing streak and one win short of bowl eligibility.
Conn: back from Oct. 10
Conn started each of Nebraska’s first six games and has 26 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He was hurt on the first play of the second half against Indiana on Oct. 10 and has not played since, per 247Sports.
Defensive coordinator Rob Aurich said Tuesday that Conn was at practice this week and in stretch lines Monday. “I think we have to go through a couple more checkmarks for him being cleared,” Aurich said, per 247Sports. “But when we do get him back, he’ll be welcome.”
Junior Caleb Benning filled in at safety the last two games and earned team-high PFF grades against both Oregon and Washington, according to Sports Illustrated’s Husker site. Conn’s return gives the Blackshirts depth at a spot that has been tested late in games.
Gottula: a needed body up front
Gottula, a 6-foot-6, 320-pounder, started the first seven games before a head injury at Oregon and missed the Washington game. Against the Huskies, the same five linemen, Elijah Pritchett, Paul Mubenga, Justin Evans, Brendan Black and Tree Babalade, played all 77 offensive snaps. Gottula gives the staff a rotation option again.
Still out
Edge Anthony Jones remained out on Tuesday’s report, along with running back Vince Genatone, receiver Larry Miles, defensive back Kahmir Prescott, linebackers Jacob Bower and Jase Reynolds and defensive tackle Gabe Moore, per On3. On the Illinois side, quarterback Katin Houser carried no designation Tuesday after returning from a broken hand last week.
The final availability report comes before kickoff Friday. We’ll update if anything changes.
Featured image: Photo: U.S. National Guard. Public domain. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Husker_football_Military_Appreciation_Day_2022_(221105-Z-VY191-0233).jpg.
