Nebraska starting I-back Cory Ross returned to practice Thursday after sitting out the previous two days with a toe injury.

Ross, the Huskers' leading rusher through six games with 574 yards, has been cleared to play against Kansas State on Saturday in Manhattan, Kan., NU head coach Bill Callahan said.

Nebraska free safety Josh Bullocks, however, sat out Thursday with a shoulder injury, and his playing status might not be determined until just before the 1:10 p.m. kickoff at KSU Stadium.

"I just spoke with Josh this afternoon and got the (injury) report this morning, and from all appearances, he might be able to go," Callahan said.

Andrew Shanle, a sophomore from St. Edward, will make his first career start if Bullocks is unavailable, said Nebraska secondary coach Phil Elmassian.

"I'm very comfortable with Andrew," Elmassian said.

Although Bullocks' status is questionable, Elmassian was optimistic Thursday about the junior's chances to play.

"As of right now, I'd anticipate him (playing)," Elmassian said.

As for Ross, Callahan said, "He seemingly handled what we asked him to do in practice. We'll increase his reps and his volume of work (today), and I believe he'll be ready to go."

Callahan said NU coaches would monitor Ross closely during Saturday's game.

Ross injured his toe during last week's 59-27 home win against Baylor. The 5-foot-6, 192-pound junior rushed 14 times for 51 yards and a touchdown against the Bears and also caught a short pass and sprinted 74 yards for another score.

True freshman Brandon Jackson led Nebraska in rushing in last week's game with a season-high 89 yards on 18 carries.

Callahan said the 6-foot, 210-pound Jackson's role in the offense is expanding.

"He's getting a little bit more into the passing game because he's getting more experience and repetition," Callahan said.

"On a daily basis, he improves in the passing game, which is a huge part. It's easy to take those five or six core runs and run them every day in practice and get good at them. But with the intricacies of the passing game — the protection pickups, the routes, the conversions off of the routes — those are the little things he's beginning to get a grasp on."

OPEN BOOK: Callahan was asked if he's ever tempted to keep key injuries secret like K-State head coach Bill Snyder does. "No, not at all," Callahan said. "I just feel that people — the general public, the fans, the media, the players — they know about injuries, and we're not hiding anything here. I've got confidence in (backup) guys who step up and play a significant role. And I'm not paranoid." Callahan said he's never been hesitant to discuss injuries with the media. "Everyone finds out eventually anyhow," he said.

— Steven M. Sipple