After playing in nine of 12 games last season, NIU quarterback Dan Nicholson will be forced to sit on the sidelines for Saturday’s spring game.

The senior underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder Jan. 7. Nicholson played through a shoulder injury last season and also suffered two concussions. The injuries forced Nicholson to miss three games, including the final two contests of the season.

Nicholson started rehab after surgery in January, but won’t begin actually throwing a football or lifting weights for another month or so.

“It’s getting better,” Nicholson said. “The goal is to be full-go by the beginning of June.”

“Just visiting with him, it’s been good feedback,” quarterback coach Pat Poore said. “Summer is going to be really important, just to build that strength up.”

Nicholson’s rehab has consisted of throwing tennis balls and using his shoulder in the swimming pool.

“Dan’s done a great job mentally; he’s helped our other quarterbacks out tremendously,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “He’s been a great teacher and a great coach.”

Nicholson will be ready to go for training camp, but understands that missing spring practice can hurt him when competing for the starting quarterback job.

“It doesn’t help; every rep helps,” Nicholson said. “My whole focus is getting healthy right now.”

Nicholson’s main competition for the starting job will be Ryan Morris, who started three games for the Huskies last season. Morris completed 52.8 percent of his passes for 727 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions.

Two of the quarterbacks on NIU’s roster last season, Paul Blalock and Boone Thorgesen, are making position switches. Blaylock has been moved to fullback while Thorgeson is now a defensive back.