Illinois football injury report against the Kansas Jayhawks

Following a last-second victory to open 2023, the Illinois football team treks west to Lawrence, Kansas to take on the Jayhawks.

The Illini are working on a short week, as kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday. These two schools play one another for the first time since 1968. Moreover, this Big 12 and Big Ten duo will participate in a home-and-home series through next season.

According to head coach Bret Bielema, the only Fighting Illini who was truly questionable for the week two matchup was cornerback Tyler Strain. The redshirt sophomore suffered a concussion during the Illinois’ win over Toledo on September 2. On Wednesday, it was reported that Strain has cleared concussion protocol.

During his Monday availability, Bielema said most of the injuries resulting from week one were cramp-related. Bielema said players Zy Crisler, Xavier Scott, Kenenna Odeluga, and Josh Gesky will be available. Temperatures are expected to reach into the lower 80s at kickoff at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Bielema also announced good news for starting left guard Isaiah Adams. Adams sustained a knee injury during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s opener, but he was able to practice on Wednesday and should be good for game time.

Here is the Illinois football injury report against the Kansas Jayhawks

Out

• RB Jordan Anderson (ACL, Season)
• LB Malachi Hood (Achilles, Season)
• DB Matthew Bailey (Foot, 1 Week)
• LB Ezekiel Holmes (Knee, Multiple Weeks)
• DB Tyson Rooks (Undisclosed)

In

• DB Tyler Strain (Concussion)
• OL Zy Crisler (Cramp)
• DB Xavier Scott (Cramp)
• LB Kenenna Odeluga (Cramp)

Looking at the actual game, Illinois is a road underdog. Jayhawks’ quarterback Jalon Daniels, preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, is set to make his 2023 debut under the lights Friday. Daniels is one of ten returning starters from last season’s Kansas team. Last week, the Jayhawks throttled FCS opponent Missouri State, 48-17.

A balanced Fighting Illini defense looks to bounce back in week two. Linebacker Dylan Rosiek recorded a team-high eight solo tackles versus Toledo, including one for a loss. Defensive back Miles Scott notched a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown against Toledo’s Dequan Finn.

This may not be the same Illinois defense that led the nation in scoring defense (12.8), interceptions (24), takeaways (32), and passing efficiency defense (92.64). However, the defense was active against the Rockets and made a difference in preventing an opening-week loss.