Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills said he felt a little pop in his knee early in the Penn State game that led to him missing the remainder of that contest as well as the games against Illinois and Iowa.
Mills said he felt he could finish that drive, but also thought if he played beyond that, that he would be out for the rest of the season.
Mills said he told NU’s coaches he had faith in Nebraska’s younger backs to pick up the slack in his absence.
Mills returned against Purdue to rush for 60 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 16 carries.
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Purdue running back King Doerue (22) goes over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) for a touchdown during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp (33) celebrates a 49-yard field goal against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) makes a catch in front of Purdue safety Marvin Grant (4) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) blocks the punt of Nebraska punter William Przystup (90) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrate a stop on fourth down in the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Simon Otte chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter in the Huskers’ game against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska linebacker Simon Otte (34) chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) celebrates his touchdown with running back Dedrick Mills during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer scores a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) throws against Nebraska during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez breaks away from Purdue defenders on his way to a touchdown run during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) celebrates after blocking a punt against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) is sacked by Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrates a sack against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Wyatt Liewer and Dedrick Mills celebrate Liewer’s touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt runs into Purdue’s TJ Sheffield during a punt return Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt was penalized on the play.
Nebraska’s Ben Stille and Garrett Nelson sack Purdue’s Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt defends Purdue receiver David Bell in the end zone on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Nadab Joseph is carted off the field after an injury against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Dedrick Mills rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez practices a snap before the Huskers play Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Luke McCaffrey practices a snap before Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Will Honas tackles Purdue’s Rondale Moore after a reception Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills uns against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Zander Horvath runs the ball against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt gets a grip on Purdue receiver David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Deontai Williams defends a pass to Purdue’s Payne Durham on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Branson Deen grabs the jersey of Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Sichterman on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Ben Stille sacks Purdue’s Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s David Bell runs into the end zone to complete a touchdown reception against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue’s David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
A pass eludes Nebraska’s Wan’Dale Robinson against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Dicaprio Bootle knocks down a pass against Purdue’s Milton Wright on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams tackles Purdue’s TJ Sheffield on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Jack Plummer throws a pass against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska sophomore wideout Wan’Dale Robinson tries to escape a defender during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska junior quarterback throws a pass Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks downfield Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams (8) and linebacker Will Honas combine to stop Purdue running back Doerue King Saturday game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to linebacker Caleb Tannor (2) during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes blocks a Purdue defender on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
A pair of Husker defenders stop Purdue running back Zander Horvath during Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Garrett Nelson (44) picks up Cam Taylor-Britt after a big defensive play Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Levi Falck is stopped by a Purdue defender during Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Wyatt Liewer scores against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
The Nebraska defense mostly held Purdue star receiver David Bell in check. He had 10 catches for 132 yards, but 89 of those yards came on a touchdown in which two Huskers collided into each other.
Nebraska’s Austin Allen catches a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska and Purdue players get testy during Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Geovonte’ Howard and Marvin Grant react to penalty flags being thrown against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue’s David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Scott Frost and Purdue’s Jeff Brohm shake hands after Nebraska defeated Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska junior quarterback Adrian Martinez looks for room to run during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska senior cornerback Dicaprio Bootle defends Purdue’s Milton Wright on a pass play during Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska receiver Zavier Betts tries to work his way around Purdue’s Kieren Douglas on Saturday’s in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams defends Purdue’s Payne Durham during Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez fires a pass during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska guard Matt Farniok celebrates a big play during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska senior running back Dedrick Mills picks up yards during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Brenden Jaimes (left) and Adrian Martinez (center) celebrate Martinez’s first-half touchdown during Saturday’s game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Zavier Betts hauls in pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Marvin Grant (4) and Geovante’ Howard (13) don’t like a call as Nebraska’s Wan’Dale Robinson looks on. Nebraska and Purdue combined to commit 233 yards of penalties, but the ones Boilermakers committed proved to more costly.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Adrian Martinez passes toward the sideline against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s David Bell catches a pass as Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Marquel Dismuke converge. Bell would take the reception 89 yards for a touchdown.
Nebraska’s Luke McCaffrey looks to throw a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Wan’Dale Robinson looks for running room against Purdue as Wyatt Liewer holds up on a block against a Boilermaker on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
A worker fixes the north end zone video board before the Nebraska at Purdue football game Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Levi Falck gestures for a first down against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille (95) pressures Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson runs against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) tries to elude past Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann (13) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates a stop against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Contact the writer at cbasnett@journalstar.com or 402-473-7436. On Twitter @HuskerExtraCB.
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