Implications of Injury Updates

Among the most meaningful components of Big 12 Media Days are the injury updates. Three in particular stand out for Nebraska. Redshirt freshman quarterback Kody Spano is apparently 100% healthy after some knee issues that caused him to miss time in the spring. Offensive tackle Jaivorio Burkes will miss the 2009 season and may never return. Linebacker Matt Holt will also miss the season with an injured shoulder. Obviously, Spano’s return to health is good news. There was some question about competition behind Zac Lee at quarterback and Spano’s return should increase the level of competitiveness. It also might make it that much more likely that Cody Green can redshirt. That could be very important if he becomes everything fans hope he’ll be. The memory of Gerry Gdowski leaving Nebraska with an unused redshirt is still a bit painful for those old enough to remember him. Burkes missing the season doesn’t really seem surprising given that he missed the spring and there was no ...