Jalon Daniels is expected to play against Illinois this week when the Illini face off against Kansas Friday night.

According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Kansas has still not determined whether or not Daniels will start. Jason Bean earned the start last week against Missouri State, throwing for 276 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Daniels had a promising start to last season but only played in 9 games. He finished last year with 18 touchdown passes and jus 4 interceptions, throwing for 2,014 yards.

Thamel also reported that Daniels took “a significant amount” of snaps in practice this week and that he has improved greatly after suffering back tightness prior to last week’s game.

This is an important one for the Illini, who struggled against Toledo in Week 1. A nice affirming victory against a step up in competition with the Jayhawks would be just what the doctor ordered.