Tyrell Sutton already knew he could run with a football despite the cast that protects his surgically repaired left wrist.

"It's just like riding a bike," Sutton said. "Once you're off of it for a long time, you don't really forget too much of it."

But Wednesday's indoor practice at Northwestern gave the senior running back even more of a sense he'll be ready to contribute against Missouri in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.

"I did get a lot of confidence back because I had to block today," Sutton said. "I wasn't too sure about that, but I did gain some confidence in my blocking. It's pretty good right now."

Sutton isn't the only Wildcat ready to make a grand re-entrance after missing the final stages of the regular season.

Redshirt freshman defensive end Vince Browne injured the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee early in the Minnesota game.

"It was a really rare injury," Browne said. "They see it mostly in wrestlers - real wrestlers."

Initially ticketed for surgery, Browne visited the same renowned surgeon in Pittsburgh who repaired his right knee in high school.

"They did an exam under anesthesia and they said it was intact enough to heal on its own," Browne said. "I'm back. As far as the body goes, I'm still working to get back to 100 percent. I should be 100 percent by the bowl game."

That'll make a huge difference in Northwestern's plans to harass Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. In limited action, Browne piled up 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 1 blocked kick.

"That's a big bonus getting him back," said NU defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz.