Nebraska injury updates include Tommi Hill, Tristan Alvano

Nebraska’s top cornerback is trending toward a well-timed return.

Tommi Hill would be a welcome addition for the Husker secondary anytime, but even more so as the Blackshirts prepare for Indiana and an offense among the top 10 nationally in scoring and passing yards per game.

The senior departed early from the Illinois game on Sept. 20 and hasn’t played since while dealing with plantar fascia in his foot.

Hill practiced all of last week, coach Matt Rhule said Monday. If Hill can do it again, he’ll likely be on the edge of the field in Bloomington.

“I’d assume Tommi has a chance to play,” Rhule said.

Hill’s return would give NU more options on its back end.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a news conference on Monday.

Ceyair Wright has thrived filling in for Hill — Wright earned a black practice jersey last week — while Marques Buford, perhaps a more natural safety, has played well, too.

Rhule said last week that offseason addition Blye Hill, who projected as a starting corner before injuring his knee in the spring game, is fully healthy and now a four-game redshirt candidate.

Safeties DeShon Singleton and Malcolm Hartzog remain regular contributors as well.

“I think you’re going to need every corner you’ve got against this outfit,” Rhule said, noting Indiana receivers who can run after the catch and separate on fade routes. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke is third nationally in completion rate (73.8%) and 11th in passing yards per game (292).

Rhule said Tommi Hill was set to play two weeks ago against Rutgers before the defender “ruptured” the foot injury — a healing, though painful development — coming out during the tunnel walk.

Meanwhile, Rhule said kicker Tristan Alvano kicked Sunday and remains day to day.