NIU linebacker Nick Duffy didn’t register any tackles in Bowling Green’s 34-18 victory over NIU on Oct. 25.

But it’s not for a lack of effort.

Despite being sidelined on crutches with a broken right fibula, Duffy was looking for an orange jersey – in particular, No. 5.

“At the Bowling Green game, I kept trying to get on the field,” Duffy said. “The trainers kept telling me to get back. I was just trying to get a hit on somebody. I was hoping Harris would come that way.”

Duffy, along with injured teammate Dan Sheldon, has started the long road to recovery known as rehabilitation.

Sheldon went down in NIU’s 30-23 overtime win against Ohio University in the fifth game of the season.

Sheldon jumped to catch a pass and was attempting to land after the ball was tipped away. As both hands hit the ground, his left elbow dislocated under the weight of his body.

He had surgery the following day at Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

Sheldon’s first exercises were an attempt to stretch his arm out after over a month of limited motion.

When Sheldon started, he was just trying to get movement back in his arm after having it nearly immobilized for such a long time. All the workouts dealt with extending and flexing the arm.

Sheldon has moved ahead of schedule and now can support his body weight with his arm. He recently began weight training to get back the strength he lost.

“The rehab is coming pretty good,” Sheldon said. “I have full extension, flexion and movement. It’s healed faster than everybody thought. It’s way ahead of schedule.”

Duffy still is behind Sheldon in workouts.

The Second-Team All-MAC linebacker last season was on crutches for seven weeks and has been in a walking boot for two. Just recently, Duffy has been able to put weight on his foot.

“A lot of times I wanted to start walking again,” Duffy said. “It’s hard. I’m not used to my body holding me back.”

Duffy just began his rehab and is working on stretching his ankle.

Duffy had surgery the day after the injury. Since then, scar tissue has developed in the area, restricting his movement. Despite the temporary setback, he is driven by the opportunity to play at the next level. At the time of the injury, Duffy was the Huskies’ leading tackler.

“I want to show people I’m the same player I was before the injury, if not better,” Duffy said.

For both players, the recovery road has and will be continue to be long.

Sheldon will return to the Huskies next year, while Duffy will try his hand at professional ball.

For both, improvement is what keeps them going.

“It’s tough mentally, but it helps when you see improvement every week,” Sheldon said. “It’s easier the more you improve. Seeing improvement each week is a good thing.”