After a week in which Gunnar Gottula was not expected to play on Friday night against Illinois, it now looks like he'll be able to help out on the Huskers' offensive line against an Illini defense with some serious issues.
On Thursday nigh'ts Big Ten availability report, Gottula was nowhere to be found. While there will be one more report before the Huskers take on the Illini, it looks like the lineman is good to go. That could be a big boon for the Cornhuskers in an absolute must win game.
Gottula suffered a head injury at Oregon and was ruled out mid-week before the Washington game. His return would give the Huskers flexibility on the offensive line because he can play both tackle and guard.
While the signs aren't quite as good for safety Jamir Conn, it's heading in the same direction as Gottula. Conn returned to practice earlier this week, according to Nebraska's defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, but still had hurdles to clear before being cleared.
"I think we have to go through a couple more checkmarks for him to be cleared," Aurich said. "But when we do get him back, he'll be welcome."
Aurich added that Conn was in stretch lines on Monday.
"Didn't have a red penny on or anything. He was ready to go, so I don't know if he's fully cleared, but we're glad to have him back."
On Wednesday, Conn was upgraded from doubtful to probable, and he remained probable Thursday night. Given Aurich's earlier comments, it seems Aurich and head coach Matt Rhule expect him to play at least some on Friday night.
Nebraska football players officially out for Illinois
- Anthony Jones
- Larry Miles
- Kahmir Prescott
- Vincent Genatone
- Jase Reynolds
- Jacob Bower
- Gabe Moore
The Nebraska football team's list of players who are definitely out is a who's who of guys who were already known to not be playing for the rest of the season. Most of them, as a matter of fact haven't played a down in 2026.
The biggest loss among those who are still out is Anthony Jones, who is also the most recent injury among this list. The Huskers certainly could have used another defensive lineman as they the Blackshirts are well aware they need to carry Nebraska to a victory.
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