Nebraska is looking forward to the return of one of the more dynamic playmakers this week against Illinois. Wide receiver and punt returner De’Mornay Pierson-El is being eased back into the practice routine in Lincoln by head coach Mike Riley. Pierson-El has been out of action since the middle of August due to a fractured foot. It is not a definite Pierson-El sees the field against Illinois in Nebraska’s Big Ten opener, but there is a chance it could happen.
In 13 games last season Pierson-El was third on the team with 321 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Pierson-El took over punt return responsibilities and ended the 2014 season with three touchdowns on punt returns and 596 punt return yards. His return to the field should give Nebraska little boost on special teams, although Nebraska currently ranks fourth in the Big Ten in punt return average (but just four punt returns in four games).
Nebraska went 2-2 in the month of September, dropping the more notable games against BYU and Miami while winning games at home against South Alabama and Southern Miss. The Huskers are in need of a player that can generate a spark on special teams, and the expectations are Pierson-El will also be looked to make some big plays happen as a receiver once he is believed to be at full strength.