LINCOLN, Neb. -- Running back Rex Burkhead is hopeful he'll be able to play Saturday when Nebraska celebrates senior day against Minnesota.

The 2011 All-Big Ten running back sprained his left knee in the opener and has aggravated the injury twice. He's missed five games and had to leave early in three others.

Burkhead practiced Monday on a limited basis. He said he's "pretty close" to being able to play in a game, but he doesn't know if it will be this week. He says it would "mean the world" to him to play against the Gophers because it's his last home game.