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Bret Bielema provides update on QB Brandon Peters
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Could Brandon Peters be returning to the field for Illinois?
Illini coach Bret Bielema didn’t rule his QB1 out in his weekly press conference Monday afternoon. Although Peters hasn’t been cleared to practice yet, he could return this week for Illinois’ game against No. 7 Penn State.
#illini Bret Bielema: Brandon Peters threw the ball yesterday. At some point this week, he could possibly return but isn't cleared for Tuesday's practice
Art and Ryan Johnson and Matt Robinson will take the work during the course of the week.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema clarifies that Brandon Peters hasn't practiced since the Wisconsin game. Artur Sitkowski, Ryan Johnson and Matt Robinson have.
Peters hasn't been cleared yet for practice this week.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 18, 2021
Peters hasn’t practiced since getting hurt during Illinois’ 24-0 loss to Wisconsin in Week 6. It’s the second time this year he suffered an injury during a game after hurting his shoulder in Week 0 against Nebraska. Art Sitkowski came in as a good replacement for a couple games, but he — along with the rest of the Illini offense — struggled against a good Wisconsin defense before the bye.
In 5 appearances this season, Peters has completed 40 of 82 passes for 410 yards and a touchdown. Sitkowski, meanwhile, is 66-of-129 for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns in 6 games. That provides some comfort if Peters can’t go this week.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.