Johnson strained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee Sept. 18 against Southern Mississippi.

Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior from Phoenix who started every game last season, is able to walk without crutches, but Bohl isn't convinced Johnson will be ready to play again by the Texas game.

"He's assured me that he'll be back for the Texas game. That remains to be seen. He's a very optimistic individual," Bohl said. "That would be remarkable."

Rush end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who sprained his right ankle last week at Missouri, sat out the Cornhuskers' win over Oklahoma State on Saturday and is listed as questionable for practice this week.

Offensive guard James Sherman and fullback Willie Miller, who sprained ankles against the Cowboys are also questionable for practice, along with No. 2 quarterback Jeff Perino, who has a bruised thigh.

The Huskers are at home on Saturday against Iowa State.