Zook upgrades Juice to questionable for Northwestern game

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Illinois quarterback Juice Williams leaves the field on crutches after injuring his ankle in Illinois' 35-32 win over Minnesota on Saturday.
Illinois quarterback Juice Williams leaves the field on crutches after injuring his ankle in Illinois' 35-32 win over Minnesota on Saturday. (AP Photo)
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CHAMPAIGN (AP) — Illinois football coach Ron Zook now says he's cautiously optimistic that quarterback Juice Williams will play Saturday against Northwestern.

Zook told reporters Tuesday that Williams' ankle is improving faster than originally expected. The coach had told reporters on Monday that Williams was doubtful for Saturday after hurting the ankle last weekend in a 35-32 win over Minnesota.

Backup Jacob Charest will start for the Illini (3-6, 2-5) if Williams can't go.

Charest is a redshirt freshman. He led Illinois in relief of Williams last Saturday and threw for 185 yards and a touchdown.

Williams hasn't been able to practice this week, but Zook says the senior is a tough player who's played through injuries before.


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