Cornhuskers' Jordan Westerkamp out of hospital after hit to lower back

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska receiver Jordan Westerkamp was hospitalized Saturday after suffering an injury in the third quarter of the 15th-ranked Cornhuskers' 31-16 win over Illinois.

He was later released and no additional information was available about his condition.

Westerkamp appeared to absorb a hit to his lower back after catching a 6-yard pass from Tommy Armstrong Jr. on third-and-3 early in Nebraska's 75-yard touchdown drive that used more than 10 minutes of clock to put the Huskers ahead for good.

Westerkamp was hospitalized "to make sure they checked everything out," coach Mike Riley said after the game.

After the reception, his fourth of the game, the senior clutched his back and immediately waved for trainers. Teammates gathered around him before he walked slowly off the field.

Asked if he thought Westerkamp was OK, Riley said, "I want to think that."

"I just say that because I really don't know any more," the coach said. "I shouldn't say one more word than that."

Westerkamp has made a reception in 31 straight games, one game shy of second place in school history. His 142 receptions rank fourth all time at Nebraska, one catch from equaling 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers. He also ranks fourth in career receiving yardage with 2,176.