As much as the close losses to Nebraska and Texas A&M stung, they don’t compare to what might be the program’s most devastating day this season – a typical August two-a-day on the practice field.

On the same day, two players expected to help lead a young defense went down with serious injuries on different plays. Linebacker James Holt broke his foot, while free safety Darrell Stuckey injured his ankle when he landed awkwardly on it after a “normal” repetition.

The Jayhawks still are trying to recover.

Both are finally back playing, with Holt missing the first four games and Stuckey the first five. But only Holt says he feels 100 percent. Stuckey, who made his college debut against Texas A&M, knows he’s not quite there yet – as his limited playing time against the Aggies proved.

“There’s nothing hindering me really, except for the flexibility in my ankle,” Stuckey said Tuesday, adding that he’s about 90 percent healthy.

Stuckey’s injury was a particularly big blow because of the team’s need for his ability. He won the starting job at free safety during spring practices after red-shirting last year, and KU’s depth in the secondary was shaky at best even with him healthy.

Sadiq Muhammed and Justin Thornton have filled in for Stuckey, and both have been good at times. But KU’s dismal pass defense numbers show that the more available impact players in the secondary, the better off the Jayhawks will be.

That’s why Stuckey’s complete recovery can’t come soon enough.

A standout out of Washington High in Kansas City, Kan., Stuckey always has let his religion keep him focused and optimistic. So when he hopped off the field after his ankle didn’t feel right, he didn’t mope about the delay of his college career.

“I was praying that it wouldn’t be as serious and it wouldn’t be career-threatening,” Stuckey said. “All college players are going to have injuries. I’d rather have it now than two years from now when I’m approaching my senior year and trying to do something.”

And in hindsight, Stuckey almost sees it as a blessing for the team – since Muhammed and Thornton had precious seasoning at his expense.

Now, though, it’s Stuckey turn to start collecting experience. Though his action was limited against Texas A&M, the red-shirt freshman did record a tackle and a pass breakup. He also tackled Aggies quarterback Stephen McGee to deny a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter.

Stuckey likely will have an increased role as he gets healed up and more comfortable on the college field.

Even he admits it’s about time.

“It feels real good,” Stuckey said, “to be back.”