A few key defensive players will miss a significant portion of spring practice for Nebraska this year. Head coach Scott Frost provided some updates on Monday afternoon.

Defensive lineman Casey Rogers — who missed 5 games last season — is expected to be out most of spring practice and could miss the entire period because of injury. Linebacker Luke Reimer is also unlikely to see much time over the next month, though he could return near the end of spring ball.

In 7 games last season, Rogers tallied 17 tackles, including 3 for loss. During the pandemic-reduced 2020 campaign, the defensive lineman was responsible for 25 stops, 2 pass break-ups and a sack.

Reimer was the leading tackler for the Huskers last season with 109 tackles. That was far from his only contribution, also breaking up 6 passes, forcing 3 fumbles and collecting an interception.

Reimer has been a major contributor for the Nebraska defense each of the last 2 seasons.

With both Rogers and Reimer missing significant time this spring, it will create opportunities for younger players to step up and prove they belong in the rotation for the coming season.