Nebraska could get one of its key offensive and special teams pieces back soon.

Head coach Mike Riley said Monday that sophomore wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El will be worked into practice this week as the Huskers prepare to start Big Ten play against Illinois.

Pierson-El has yet to play this season because of a foot injury.

“It’s positive with De’Mornay,” Riley said. “I won’t say for sure he’s going to play, but he’s going to slowly get into practice.”

Nebraska has weathered the storm offensively without Pierson-El, who came on strong late last year as a wide receiver and earned All-American honors as a punt returner.

Riley said that even if Pierson-El plays against Illinois, it will be in a limited role, rather than a full game.

“One of the dangers is over-use early, so we’re going to see where he is,” Riley said.

Riley also said that linebacker Josh Banderas and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine were “possible” for Saturday’s game at Illinois, depending on how they look in practice this week. Riley said defensive end Jack Gangwish is 50/50 for Saturday, as is linebacker Marcus Newby.

“We don’t know any of those final answers,” Riley said. “We’re going to go slower today. Tuesday and Wednesday will tell a tale more about where there are.”