Nebraska senior cornerback Tommi Hill will miss the last two games of the regular season due to a persistent foot injury that has affected his ability to participate in practices and games
“Tommi will be out the next two games,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said Thursday. “He has tried to play and obviously it’s tough for him, he’s dealing with a lot, so I just shut him down. He’s been invited to the Senior Bowl, maybe he’ll be ready for bowl practices, but he’s out there he’s playing half, 3/4 speed.
“That led to the first touchdown (against USC), first touchdown of the Indiana game, first touchdown of the Illinois game. I feel for him. He came in here with high expectations and had the foot injury and he has never quite been the same.”
Hill has participated in seven games this season, starting in five, but a foot injury has significantly affected his performance in the latter part of the schedule. He played against USC but did not start, being on the field for the Trojans’ first touchdown.
His season began strong, highlighted by a touchdown interception against Colorado. However, he faced limitations when Nebraska entered Big Ten play against Illinois and missed several games before returning to action against Indiana.
Throughout the season, Hill has tallied 21 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one interception. He will be among nearly 30 seniors honored before Saturday’s game against Wisconsin.
“Everything is a collaboration, but I can’t put him out there anymore,” Rhule said. “He cares about his teammates. He wants to be out there, but he’s only hurting himself and giving up touchdowns. It’s unfortunate for him. There’s better days ahead. He’s going to graduate. He’s going to come in and rehab every day, get himself ready and hopefully go out and have a really strong Senior Bowl showing. When you’re a guy who relies on your speed to play, and you lose that, it’s tough. It’s an unfortunate, unfortunate break for us this year.”
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