Lincoln, Neb.-The Nebraska football team wrapped up its week of preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten Conference showdown with Minnesota on Thursday afternoon. The team practiced in shorts and helmets for just over two hours inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.

Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini met with the media after practice, noting that senior quarterback Taylor Martinez will likely see some playing time this week versus Minnesota after sitting out the previous three games due to injury.

“Taylor has practiced, and has had his fair share of reps this week, we will see how it (turf toe) responds—after today, and a week of practicing.” Pelini said, “It will be a game time decision of what we are going to do, but I would anticipate he is going to play. How much, we will see, we are playing it by ear for how he feels and how he wakes up tomorrow.”

The main concern with Martinez’s injury, is whether or not he will be able to fully plant his foot when he runs outside of the pocket. Pelini feels like Martinez has gotten better at that throughout his week of practice.

“I think he got better as the week went on.” Pelini said, “Obviously whenever you don’t practice for four or five weeks there will be some rust there. That’s why I said we need to evaluate where he is.”

Outside of the world of injury news, Pelini believes that the Husker football team had a good week of practice, noting that he believes NU knows what needs to be done in order to get a victory in Minneapolis Saturday afternoon.

“I thought we had a good week of practice, good attention to detail.” Pelini said, “I think we have a good understanding of what is going to be required to go win a football game on the road.”

A defensive player that has caught the eye of Pelini in the last few weeks is sophomore defensive tackle Aaron Curry. Curry, who has recorded two sacks in the past three games for the Blackshirts is starting to catch on to the Husker defense.

“He (Curry) is playing well, he is playing good football and is getting better.” Pelini said, “His attention to detail is getting better, and he is playing good physical football.”

*Pelini mentioned Jake Long is “likely out” versus Minnesota.

Nebraska will have a team walkthrough Friday morning before traveling to Minneapolis, as the Huskers hit the road for their third conference game of the season. NU will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN/WatchESPN.