The good news is that Nebraska will have a few key pieces back on Saturday after an opening game suspension.

Linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey, cornerback Jonathan Rose, defensive end Joe Keels and offensive lineman Robby Painter will all be back in action after being suspended for undisclosed reasons.

The bad news is that starting tight end Cethan Carter will remain suspended for Saturday against South Alabama.

One of Tommy Armstrong’s top targets, Carter was expected to have an increased role in Mike Riley’s pro-style offense.

Without Carter in the opener, the Huskers got even thinner at the position. David Sutton was undercut on a late hit and will be sidelined for two months and Trey Foster was banged up but returned in the fourth quarter.

Foster and Sam Cotton will be the Huskers’ two options, and they only have a combined nine career catches.

“Sam Cotton has done a nice job this week of getting ready to play,” Riley said. “Andy Janovich is the H-Back/fullback, so it gives us a little versatility. My hope is that Trey Foster will be ready to play. He has had very limited, if any, practice. I talked to him today and he felt pretty good.”