Bret Bielema spoke about three different players at his weekly press conference. Josh McCray, Michael Marchese, and Tip Reiman were all talked about.

McCray played in his first game since suffering a knee injury in the season opener against Wyoming.

While he only had 1 carry for four yards rushing, Bielema feels ready good about where he’s at. Bielema is glad that he gets to have a full week of preparation as he stated in the presser.

“Josh McCray was cleared for the game,” said Bielema. “Coming out of it, he felt good. I talked to him last night so he’ll have a full week of preparation. I feel good where he’s at.”

Michael Marchese and Tip Reiman are close to coming back. Bielema said that the TE pair should be cleared about halfway through the week in order to get them into game shape ahead of Saturday’s game.

“A couple of our tight ends: Michael Marchese and Tip Reiman both should be cleared and with us here midway through the week to get where they need to be on Saturday,” said Bielema.

Illinois faces Michigan State next. That game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday on BTN.

(H/T 247Sports)