Sutton rejoins Wildcat workouts

Northwestern's run toward a bowl game could soon be getting a major boost.

Junior running back Tyrell Sutton practiced Monday for the first time in four weeks and may be nearing a return. Sutton has missed the last five games after injuring his right ankle in the second quarter against Nevada on Sept. 8.

Coach Pat Fitzgerald said Sutton participated in the entire workout Monday but will be brought along slowly after missing so much time.

"We'll put him through a quarter, half the practice (today), see how he responds and make a decision for Wednesday," Fitzgerald said. "I need to see him practice a lot before I make any decisions about a game. More importantly, for his sake, he needs to practice."

Fitzgerald said last Wednesday that Sutton likely would need two full weeks of practice before playing a game. If that plan holds, Sutton would return Oct. 27 at Purdue.

NU's next game comes Friday against Eastern Michigan in Detroit.

"When you get back to practice, it has to do with what's between your ears and above your shoulders," Fitzgerald said. "Are you willing to stick your foot in the ground?  ¦ We're going to be extremely patient, and I'm going to make sure that he is extremely patient with himself."

Omar Conteh and Brandon Roberson have been solid stand-ins, combining for two 100-yard rushing efforts and 9 touchdowns (7 rushing, 2 receiving). Both backs have made the screen pass a viable weapon in NU's offense, and Conteh has 15 receptions in the last three games.

But the return of Sutton, a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher, could spark the Big Ten's worst rushing attack (120.4 ypg).

"He had energy," Conteh said of Sutton's workout Monday. "He was conditioned, he was fast. He looked pretty good."

Sutton will be available to talk with media members on Wednesday if he practices.

Smith update: Safety Brendan Smith said he has been approved for a medical hardship waiver after undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Oct. 5. Smith qualified for the medical hardship because he played in only three games, all early in the season, before opting for surgery.

As long as he doesn't play a snap the rest of the way, Smith would regain the season toward his eligibility and have two full years remaining.

More honors: NU quarterback C.J. Bacher earned his second straight Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award after passing for 470 yards and 4 touchdowns against Minnesota. Bacher shared this week's honor with Michigan State's Javon Ringer, who had a career-high 203 rushing yards against Indiana.

"He's an amazing quarterback right now," Omar Conteh said. "He's executing everything."

Inches to go: Pat Fitzgerald said Rasheed Ward remains NU's starting punt returner after minor injuries forced Eric Peterman into the role late in the Minnesota game. Peterman is now the backup returner in place of Brad Phillips, who has been battling a hand injury. -- Prince Kwateng is listed as the starting strong-side linebacker ahead of Quentin Davie on this week's depth chart. -- For the second straight week, the offensive line was named NU's Offensive Player of the Game for its sack-free effort Saturday.