Illinois football injury report vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Illinois football welcomes in the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 16 in what should be the toughest matchup of the year.

The Illini have been fairly healthy this season, as we haven’t been missing any of the playmaking talent. There are players who have missed some time and could be back this weekend, though.

Illinois football injury report

Probable

• DB Matthew Bailey (Foot)
• OT Julian Pearl (Finger)
• LB Ezekiel Holmes (Knee)

Out

• RB Jordan Anderson (ACL, Season)
• LB Malachi Hood (Achilles, Season)
• DB Tyson Rooks (Undisclosed)

Getting Bailey and Holmes back will help the Illinois defense tremendously. While they might not start right away, they are at least depth pieces for the defense.

Bailey finished 2022 with 10 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass deflections. His best game of the season came in the

bowl game against Mississippi State

where he had five tackles and a pick.

In 2022, Holmes did manage to make one start for the Orange and Blue. He only played in three games before a season-ending injury, though. The senior finished with three tackles.

Despite leaving the Kansas game with a dislocated figure, starting offensive tackle Julian Pearl should be playing against Penn State. He is going to be a needed piece for the Illini offensive line if we want to move the ball down the field.

This is one of the healthier Illinois football teams I have seen in years. The injuries are few and far between. Hopefully, this health translates into wins on the field over the next couple of months.