Terrence Shannon Jr. is back. The Illinois standout has been cleared to play for the Illini’s game against No. 21 Northwestern.

An Illinois spokesperson confirmed the news to reporters before tipoff of Thursday’s game. Shannon has missed Illinois’ past 2 games while in concussion protocol.

Shannon appeared in the Illini’s first 25 games before missing a heartbreaking 71-69 loss to Indiana last Saturday.  The Illini defeated Minnesota 78-69 Monday without Shannon.

Shannon has been the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17 points while shooting 43.7% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point range. In addition to being the team’s leading scorer, Shannon is also second on the squad with 3 assists per game.

The Illini enter Thursday’s in-state showdown with an 18-9 overall record and 9-7 mark in conference play. The game is set for 9 p.m. ET, airing on the Big Ten Network.