Head coach Mike Riley provided some good news on Monday when he reported that wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp will return to practice on Tuesday. He said he knew the senior would be ready to go by this week during preparation for Purdue.
“After midway point last week, I thought he would be whatever 100 percent is, he’d be that by tomorrow,” Riley said. “The way he was running, moving, cutting, it looked like that to me. Everybody was encouraged by how he looked. Most importantly, when I talked to him I could tell he was going to be ready for tomorrow’s practice.”
Quarterback Tommy Armstrong echoed Riley, saying Westerkamp was ready to be back with the team and to get to work.
“He came home and he was just excited about getting out there and doing stuff with us and being part of the team again,” Armstrong said. “He’s the type of guy who doesn’t like to be by himself. He likes to be around the team. I could see him down the last couple weeks. He’s excited. I’m excited. The whole team is excited.”
Aside from Westerkamp’s return, Riley also updated the health of the Huskers’ offensive line. He called offensive tackle Nick Gates “hobbled” and pointed out that offensive tackle David Knevel has been “in and out” of games the last couple of weeks. He called it his goal to get both healthy over the week.
Both Cole Conrad and Corey Whitaker have stepped in when Knevel has gone out and both will be ready come Saturday if needed.
“The inside is somewhat stable,” Riley said. “We are preparing backups
where need be, Cole Conrad, Corey Whitaker. Those guys have to be ready
at multiple positions.”
Riley also mentioned that tight end Cethan Carter would not be back for Wisconsin. He remains on the Huskers’ injured list.
