Neb's Pelini says Burkhead should play vs Idaho St

Published Sep. 17, 2012 10:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, who missed the past two games with a sprained ligament in his left knee, is expected to play this Saturday against Idaho State.

Coach Bo Pelini said Monday that Burkhead probably could have played this past weekend against Arkansas State. Pelini said he's unsure how much Burkhead would play for the 25th-ranked Cornhuskers against the FCS-level Bengals but that he should be ''pretty much 100 percent.''

Ameer Abdullah, who has been Burkhead's primary backup for two seasons, had career highs with 30 carries for 167 yards against Arkansas State. Braylon Heard and Imani Cross also have played a lot in Burkhead's absence.

Burkhead ran for almost 1,400 yards last season and was named All-Big Ten.