Bret Bielema has been without running back Josh McCray for the majority of the season. That might change on Saturday.

According to 247Sports’ Jeremy Werner, Bielema stated that McCray is expected to return against Nebraska. McCray has been injured since the season opener versus Wyoming.

McCray was a reliable option in the Illinois backfield behind Chase Brown last season. McCray had 549 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns in the eleven games he played in for the Fighting Illini.

While Bielema did say that the expectation for McCray is to play in the game he noted that nothing is guaranteed right now. The team is coming off of a bye week, but it all depends on how he looks these next few days heading into the matchup.

This will be a very important week for McCray when it comes to his recovery. Illinois and Nebraska kicks off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.