Nebraska injury updates: Matt Rhule provides latest on offseason surgeries

The offseason is a time for teams to do what they can to get healthy and ready for the next season. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are no different, with several players currently recovering from surgeries.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with media members on February 1st for a Winter press conference. There, he broke down the progress that three players, including a pair of offensive linemen and a wide receiver, are progressing.

“Turner [Corcoran] had surgery,” Matt Rhule said. “That was a hamstring that just never quite healed. So, he had to have surgery from a specialist a couple of weeks ago. So, we’re hopeful that he’ll be back at some point. Teddy Prochazka, you know, he’s right on pace.”

Corcoran came to Nebraska as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Since getting there, he has been a key offensive lineman but injuries have also derailed his career a bit. He started 11 games as a freshman before starting every game as a sophomore. However, in each of the next two seasons, he’s seen his starting of games derailed by season-ending injuries.

Teddy Prochazka, meanwhile, was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021. He started three games in 2022 before getting derailed by a season-ending injury that carried over into 2023. He then, unfortunately, also suffered an injury going into Fall Camp that cost him his 2024 campaign.

“Demitrius [Bell] is a little bit behind but trending in the right direction,” Rhule said. “So, we think he’ll be full go this summer. So, I think those guys are doing a good job in the training room.”

Bell was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2023. He’s yet to see any significant action at Nebraska, though. After redshirting in 2023, he suffered a season-ending injury before the season. Now, going into his third college season, he’s looking to make an impact on the Cornhuskers offense.

Fans at Nebraska also may not get to see any of these players at a traditional spring game. Matt Rhule recently shared his concerns around tampering may not make it practical to play a traditional spring game.

“Fundamentally, I hate to say it like this,” Rhule said. “It’s really because last year, we were one of the more televised spring games and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that. To go out and bring in a bunch of players, and then showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just absolute, free, open, common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world. I don’t want these guys all being able to watch our guys and say, ‘Wow, he looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’”

While nothing is set in stone yet, if Nebraska forgoes its spring game the next time fans can see the Cornhuskers play is going to be on August 28th against Cincinnati in Kansas City.