Nebraska wide receiver and return specialist De’Mornay Pierson-El will be sidelined six to eight weeks after injuring a foot in practice.

Coach Mike Riley announced Wednesday that the sophomore was hurt during Tuesday’s practice. Pierson-El was second nationally in punt-return average last season, and he tied for the national lead with three returns for touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 321 yards and four TDs.

Riley also announced freshman receiver Lavan Alston will be out for the season after suffering a knee injury in practice.