Jalon Daniels will look to make his 2023 debut against Illinois on Friday.

The star Kansas quarterback missed the Jayhawks’ game against Missouri State due to back tightness. Brett McMurphy of Action Network reports, per sources, that Daniels is expected to play against the Illini on Friday.

Expected to play does not guarantee Daniels sees the field on Friday. Daniels was also “expected” to start the Missouri State game last week, per the Associated Press.

“Jalon is feeling better but didn’t have enough practice reps to feel comfortable as the season (approached),” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said after the team’s season opener. “… When you watch Jalon warm up, he’s been good. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing. Making sure he feels right.”

Daniels earned preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year recognition after a stellar 2022 season. Last year, Daniels played in 9 games, completing 66.1% of his passes for 2,014 yards, 18 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He also rushed 77 times for 425 yards and 7 scores.

Illinois managed a last-second win over Toledo in Week 1. Friday’s game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2.