Those anticipating Nebraska tight end Matt Herian’s return to action next season received a positive report Monday.

Bill Callahan, speaking on the Big 12 coaches’ weekly teleconference, said he hopes that Herian can practice this month on a limited basis. The Huskers begin workouts in earnest Wednesday for the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl.

“I’m optimistic that he’ll have some practice time on a low-scale level in terms of contact,” Callahan said.

Callahan said Herian probably will be limited to practicing in helmets and shorts, and not full pads. He won’t play in the bowl game.

“We’ll let him get the feel of the passing game and get a couple of reps,” Callahan said. “I really don’t want to bang him around. It’d be ludicrous for us to put pads on him and make him go full-throttle.”

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Herian, a senior from Pierce, continues to rehabilitate a fractured left leg suffered in October of 2004 against Missouri. He hasn’t practiced since the injury occurred. After missing all of spring practice, he underwent a second surgery in April.

Before his injury, Herian caught 24 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. His 24 receptions were the most for a Husker tight end in 14 seasons.

“We’ll let him go through the passing drills this month if he’s capable of doing that,” Callahan said. “We hope he can get in the mix a little bit and get his competitiveness back up and increase his confidence. If not, then we’ll heed the trainers’ advice and allow him to rest and just assure ourselves of getting a fresh Matt Herian back when we start spring drills.”

OTHER INJURY NEWS: Nebraska offensive tackle Seppo Evwaraye, slowed since early November by stress fractures in both feet, will benefit from a few weeks of rest and should be ready to play in the bowl game, Callahan said. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound senior missed Nebraska’s Nov. 12 game against Kansas State and was limited to spot duty Nov. 25 against Colorado. He started the first nine games.

HOT TICKET: More than 7,000 of Nebraska’s allotted 10,000 tickets for the Alamo Bowl have been sold or have been otherwise accounted for, according to the NU athletic ticket office. “I hope our fans are excited,” Callahan said. “I know our fans live and die for Husker football.” Tickets can be purchased online at www.huskers.com. The NU ticket office will sell tickets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Tickets may be purchased in person or over the phone with credit card at 1-800-8BIGRED. Prices are $45 for upper-tier seating, $55 for lower tier and $75 for club level.

NEW FACILITY: After practicing in Cook Pavilion throughout the regular season, Nebraska is now set to work out in its new indoor facility, Callahan said. “It’s much brighter,” he said. “It’s a lot more fun for our kids. It’s bigger and broader. The one positive about being in Cook, the field surface is much faster because it’s been laid down for quite some time. But our new facility, with the brightness, just enhances our practice atmosphere. The turf isn’t fully settled, but it’s much better than weeks ago.” Both indoor fields have FieldTurf. The FieldTurf in Cook was installed in 1999.

— Steven M. Sipple