The Mike Riley era at Nebraska will officially begin without one of the Huskers' biggest reasons for optimism this season—sophomore wide receiver and return man De'Mornay Pierson-El.
Nebraska announced Wednesday afternoon that Pierson-El will miss six to eight weeks after suffering a foot injury Tuesday. In addition, freshman receiver Lavan Alston is out for the season as well:
— Erin Sorensen (@erinsorensen) August 19, 2015
Pierson-El's injury is a critical blow for Nebraska's offense and special teams, as he had already emerged as a leader for both units in his freshman campaign.
The speedy sophomore made the most of his 23 receptions last season for the Huskers and had the nation's second-best average on punt returns.