The biggest concern for Illinois football prior to the start of the season was their wide receiver room, with top pass catchers Alex Perry and Jayshon Platt sustaining injuries in the offseason.
It was a major blow to the Illinois offense, and it required other Illini to step up and contribute more in their absence. Thankfully, these injuries did not affect Illinois' offense too much in week one, as they were able to cruise past UAB by a score of 42-23.
As Illinois moves into the challenging parts of their schedule, they would certainly like to have their wide receivers healthy. Thankfully, according to Bret Bielema at a recent media scrum, it looks like Jayshon Platt is making great strides towards a return to the team.
Brief injury updates from #Illini HC Bret Bielema:
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) September 10, 2026
On LB Daniel Brown: "He's going to travel [to the hotel] with us, he's been involved more. I don't think he'll play on Saturday but very good chance next week."
On WR Jayshon Platt: "Keeps getting better, we're going to… pic.twitter.com/CLARLybh8u
Platt, a product of North Port, Florida, transferred to Illinois from Florida Atlantic University earlier this year. In 12 games for the Owls, Platt recorded 720 receiving yards and five touchdowns while hauling in 46 receptions.
The fifth-year senior was poised to be the top guy in the slot to start the season, but suffered an undisclosed soft-tissue injury late in the preseason. Illinois fans hope to get Platt back sooner rather than later, especially with the Ohio State Buckeyes looming in week four.
Jayshon Platt returning to Illinois' offense would help exponentially in the long run
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney loves to utilize the slot receiver in his offense. Last season, receiver Hank Beatty led the team in the slot, catching 70 passes for 864 yards and three touchdowns.
Platt will end up taking over the slot position when he returns from injury, as his elite speed and route-running ability make him a threat on the inside. He will be a matchup nightmare for interior defenders, as his quickness could be too overpowering for the slower opposition.
If anything, we have only just scratched the surface of what Platt can do for a program. He may not have been the No. 1 option for Florida Atlantic last season, but he still recorded the second-most yards on the team, as well as the best yards per catch at 15.7.
Platt is the real deal, and the country needs to be ready for when he returns. It doesn't look like it's going to be for the Duke game, but a return against SIU or Ohio State could certainly be in the cards at this point.
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