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Bret Bielema confirms status of Illinois WR Pat Bryant entering Week 10 prep
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Bret Bielema and Illinois could be without star wide receiver Pat Bryant for a Week 10 game vs. Minnesota.
At his weekly press conference, Bielema revealed Bryant was adamant he would be on the field Saturday vs. the Gophers after sustaining a head injury against Oregon. However, Bielema made it clear the decision is not up to Bryant and the Illini medical team will evaluate him throughout the week.
Bielema has made it clear Bryant is indeed in concussion protocol. To anyone who saw the hit he sustained against Oregon and immediate reaction from Bryant, Bielema’s announcement is not surprising.
#illini Bret Bielema: “Pat [Bryant] is obviously in concussion protocol. …Everything suggests he’ll be there [able to play on Saturday].
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 28, 2024
To be clear, Bielema said this is in the hands of the medical staff but Bryant being a veteran allows for him to get cleared later in the week and still play. Those reps early in the week, if Bryant isn’t cleared, are valuable for the other WRs: Malik Elzy, Alex Capka-Jones, etc.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) October 28, 2024
Saturday’s hit for Bryant was a bit of a unique one. The first Oregon defender on the play made minimal contact, but it was the 2nd defender who contact Bryant’s helmet and was originally flagged for targeting.
That flag was picked up after a review, and Bielema addressed that overturn. The head coach said his request for the explanation of why that flag was picked up has to do with Bryant’s family who is concerned for the receiver’s safety.
#illini Bret Bielema said the feedback he most wanted about the targeting call getting overturned on Pat Bryant was why it was overturned because he wants to be able to answer that question for Pat Bryant’s family who is concerned for his safety.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 28, 2024
Bryant has been a major weapon for Illinois this season and has the 3rd-most receiving touchdowns in the B1G with 7. Only 3 players in the conference have more so far this season.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.