:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46999620/8.11_Prax-40.0.0.jpg)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers worked out for less than 2 hours on Thursday afternoon, and Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker was joined by Head Coach Mike Riley for post practice questions.
The first thing on everyone's mind is who would replace All-American Punt Returner De'mornay Pierson-El. Special Teams coach Bruce Read gave us the answer.
ST coach Read says Westerkamp will take over for DPE at PR. #Huskers
— Jake Bockoven (@jakebockoven) August 20, 2015
Bruce Read says Westerkamp is clear 'next man up' for PR. Working out others, including Turner, Morgan just in case. #Huskers
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop71) August 20, 2015
Read said Westerkamp has "sure hands"and "has been under the lights". Westerkamp has been the 2nd option all along at PR. #Huskers
— Jake Bockoven (@jakebockoven) August 20, 2015
Meanwhile, Mike Riley talked about the timetable and injury for DPE.
The Pierson-El injury, as so many are in August, was non-contact, suffered while making a cut.
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 20, 2015
Riley didn't want to put timetable on DPE return. "It's all biology. It's one thing about being healed & another about being ready to play."
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 20, 2015
A Jones fracture is the word from Riley on DPE. Time table unsure but 'expect him to play a lot this season.' #Huskers
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop71) August 20, 2015
What did DC Mark Banker have to say today?
Nebraska DC Mark Banker said linebacker Luke Gifford had "great week." Redshirt freshman appears ready to help in some fashion. #Huskers
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) August 20, 2015
Mark Banker on goal of the #Huskers defense, "Every guy's secondary responsibility is to get his ass to the ball." pic.twitter.com/g5CDQaCIoS
— Mike Welch (@RealMikeWelch) August 20, 2015
Well, that would be ideal for sure.
The daily Tommy Armstrong Jr. report is as follows:
Mike Riley was impressed with how well Tommy Armstrong threw the ball in Thursday's practice, and made sure to tell him so. #Huskers.
— Brian Rosenthal (@HuskerExtraBR) August 20, 2015
"He really made a lot of throws," Riley said of Armstrong. "That’s confidence for both the quarterbacks and receivers. That’s a good sign."
— Brian Rosenthal (@HuskerExtraBR) August 20, 2015
Even Mike Riley agreed: very good day for Tommy Armstrong
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) August 20, 2015
Armstrong was able to complete a bunch of deep HR balls today despite WR injuries. Most were to Stanley Morgan and Alonzo Moore. #Huskers
— Mike Welch (@RealMikeWelch) August 20, 2015
Those deep completions got Mark Banker's attention.
One thing Banker pointed out Thursday was #Huskers secondary getting beat on 4 of 5 deep balls. Big-play mistakes NU defense can't afford.
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) August 20, 2015
What is the timetable for getting those injured WR's back on the field? Soon, Mike Riley says.
Riley said he hopes to have all injured wide receivers (save for Alston and DPE) back by Monday. That includes Brandon Reilly. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@HuskerExtraBR) August 20, 2015
If the reports about Armstrong is to be believed, there has to be something said about getting on the same page with folks. That being said, getting a majority of the WR crew back a full 2 weeks before gametime would help that tremendously.
The next media availability for Nebraska will be after Saturday's practice.