Illinois Fighting Illini Week Five Injury Report

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The Illinois Fighting Illini are preparing to go to Happy Valley this weekend to take on the ninth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in a marquee Big Ten bout. The Illini check in as the 19th-ranked team in the country after starting 2024 undefeated and taking down two ranked teams on their way to 4-0 and 1-0 in the Big Ten. Health has been a big factor for Illinois thus far, dealing with minimal injuries and keeping their major players healthy and active.

The biggest injury threat of the season came up last week when Zakhari Franklin was sidelined by a leg injury for the majority of the second half in Lincoln against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Franklin has been QB Luke Altmyer’s most frequent target this season. The good news for the Illinois signal-caller is that Franklin and many other players that missed time last week will be active and available when the Fighting Illini go for the upset in Beaver Stadium.

Franklin, Others Get Clean Bill of Health

There were some injuries that sidelined players for the Illinois Fighting Illini last week in their victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Offensive lineman Melvin Priestly, tight end Tanner Arkin and wide receiver Zakhari Franklin all had to leave the game for some period of time, but Priestly and Arkin made their way back on the field. Franklin did not make it back but Head Coach Bret Bielema said in his weekly press conference that he was cleared to come back in the game in overtime. With the Illini moving the ball on the ground on their only possession of overtime, Franklin was not needed.

All three players were active participants in practice this week and should have no restrictions for Saturday’s matchup against the ninth-ranked team in the country, the Penn State Nittany Lions. The only negative injury news for Illinois concerning the Nebraska game last week was a late scratch. Tight end Henry Boyer traveled with the team to Lincoln but was not active on Friday night after not being cleared for action before kickoff. This week, Boyer has been active in practice and is set to be ready to be the second-string tight end behind Arkin on Saturday afternoon.

Lingering Injuries for Illinois Fighting Illini

Junior defensive back Tyler Strain saw some snaps on special teams against Nebraska after being a question mark throughout the week of practice. Although Coach Bielema says that he is still not 100%, Strain is expected to be a full-go on special teams and on defense, if needed. Outside linebacker Daniel Brown was also question mark throughout the week at practice as he battles his way to get back on the field to help against the potent Penn State offense. Coach Bielema hasn’t given an update on his status for the game, making it dubious that the junior will see the field on Saturday.

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Article originally written by Mathias Woerner.