Nebraska wide receiver and punt returner De’Mornay Pierson-El is out six to eight weeks after suffering a foot injury in practice, head coach Mike Riley announced Wednesday.
Pierson-El, who was expected to be one of the Cornhuskers’ biggest offensive weapons this season, injured his foot during Tuesday’s practice.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Pierson-El led the nation in punt return yardage as a true freshman in 2014, averaging 17.4 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He caught 23 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
Nebraska also announced true freshman wide receiver Lavan Alston suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice.
The Huskers open the 2015 season at home against BYU on Sept. 5. Riley announced last week that five unnamed players are suspended for the opener after violating team rules.