NU's Sutton won't play Saturday

Northwestern running back Tyrell Sutton will miss Saturday's Big Ten home opener against Michigan after being unable to participate in practice this week.

Sutton has missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain sustained in the second quarter against Nevada on Sept. 8. The 5-foot-9 junior dressed for last Saturday's game at Ohio State but determined he couldn't play after testing the ankle in warmups.

"I would anticipate that he's not going to go on Saturday," Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald said after Wednesday's practice. "Being three weeks into an injury, you've got to get back out there on the practice field to give yourself an opportunity.

"It's frustrating for him. It really is."

Junior Omar Conteh, who practiced mostly with the first-team offense this week, likely will make his second straight start.

Senior Brandon Roberson will see significant time and freshman Stephen Simmons, who had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last Saturday against Ohio State, also could be in the mix.

The Wildcats are 0-2 without Sutton and finished with zero net rushing yards last Saturday at Ohio State. But Fitzgerald bristled at the suggestion that NU has lost a competitive edge without Sutton.

"I don't buy into that one bit," Fitzgerald said.

Sutton will be evaluated next week as he hopes to return Oct. 6 at Michigan State.

"He's a competitive guy, and when you're hurt, it's frustrating," Fitzgerald said. "No words can make you feel better. You've just got to have a great attitude."

 ¢ Defensive end Corey Wootton returned to practice Wednesday and is expected to play Saturday.