The Injury Effect

Starting right guard Matt Slauson got hurt in Friday's practice. The early diagnosis is a shoulder injury that will likely mean that this All-Big 12 preseason player will miss Nebraska's opener with Nevada. On the other side of the injury slate, cornerback Zach Bowman was finally cleared to return to practice in full pads for the first time since March. The injury and recovery of both players draws a few questions to mind. How is NU's starting lineup affected by the loss and return of this caliber of player? And, what kinds of players are behind them to fill the void when they are out?

In Slauson's case, I truly hope that this really is just a one-game injury. When you hear about shoulder issues for big players like that, it can be reason for concern. By all accounts, Slauson was set for a breakout year as NU's road grater on the right side. Will NU need him to beat Nevada? Probably not. But, they sure could use their best players when they travel to Wake Forest and host USC, that is for sure.

Now, examine who is battling to fill Slauson's role. A few years ago, or even last year, you would have been hard pressed to find more than one player able to step in and play right away. The headlines would all have read "Pressure on [insert name] to fill Slauson's spot." Today, the Huskers are well stocked at guard. Mike Huff, Jacob Hickman, Jordan Picou and Keith Williams are all vying for the chance to start against Nevada. The competition is so stiff that offensive line coach Dennis Wagner says that Slauson's injury actually puts the most pressure on Slauson himself.

Wagner told the Lincoln Journal Star ... “The person it's hard for is Matt, because Matt's the guy that's going to be missing (practice),� Wagner said. “When he comes back, he'll have to get that spot back because all these other guys are waiting. That's what you want. I mean, in 1994 and 1995, when Nebraska had a great group of (linemen), if somebody couldn't be there, the next guy would step up and take the spot. And then you'd have to come back and win the battle.�

Ohhh, invoking the '94 and '95 "pipline" days at Nebraska is not something you do lightly. That is either gratuitous coach speak, or reason to be very proud of NU's current offensive line depth.

For Bowman's part, how great is it to have that guy back on the field? Wow, he's a talent. And, it has been tough to see him so snake bit with injuries. The reports from his first practice are that he "moved around well" (just kidding). But seriously, I guess he was pretty fluid in his movement and players say he didn't miss a beat. Sounds good. Honestly, I don't want the coaches and trainers to rush him back for the opener, or even back for USC. We need this guy on the field during the conference run. That's my only hope - that when Sweed and Bowman and Blythe step on the field, they see Zach Bowman first.

Why am I so willing to wait? Again the answer is depth. You don't have to look past last year to know how thin NU was at defensive back. Well, times have changed. Andre Jones and Courtney Grixby are both much more battle tested. Coaches have been pleased with Armando Murillo's progress, and there is significant buzz about freshman Anthony Blue and Prince Amukamara. No doubt, Bowman is still the best of the bunch. But, having more viable options means that NU can time his return properly and still be all the better for it.