Purdue Football: Injury Updates
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The injuries for Purdue have seemed to slow down from the level that they were occurring earlier in the year, but the Boilermakers are still plagued by injuries. They will be missing key pieces when an Illinois team that just topped Wisconsin comes to town on Saturday.
WR Rondale Moore - Doubtful
Moore, who has missed the last three games do to a hamstring injury, will more than likely be out once again. Purdue coach Jeff Brohm has been hesitant to reveal the extent of Moore’s injury, but continues to reiterate what he said once again this week, “I’d say it’s doubtful.”
DT Lorenzo Neal - Out
Neal has been attempting to return from a torn ACL suffered last season, but hasn’t been able to get back on the field. Earlier in the season, Brohm made it sound like Neal would be ready to go any week, but that has yet to be the case. This is another case where Brohm has been wishy-washy, not giving an exact response to how close Neal actually is to returning to the Purdue defense. At this week’s press conference, he made it sound like Neal would play at some point, but not this week.
“I don’t think he’s fully cleared and ready to go, otherwise he would be playing,” Brohm said. “I do think we’ll see him before the end of the year, but I can’t tell you that for sure.”
LB Cornell Jones - Questionable
Jones has been banged up since suffering a leg injury against Penn State. He wasn’t able to go this past week, but it looks like he may be able to return against Illinois. Brohm said it’s too early to tell, but the fact there’s a chance is big for Purdue. The linebacker unit has been thin, so that group needs as many healthy bodies as possible.
“We’ll probably know later in the week, but I’d say it’s 50/50 at this point,” Brohm said.
WR Jared Sparks - Doubtful
Sparks is another guy that has been banged up all season long. After getting injured in the game against Vanderbilt, he was finally able to get back out on the field against Iowa. However, he aggravated his injury and was forced out of the game. According to Brohm it looks like Sparks will be back on sideline once again.
“Sparks is probably doubtful,” Brohm said.
CB/S Jalen Graham - Probable
Graham, who has become a key part in the Purdue secondary, playing both nickel corner and safety, got injured in Saturday's game against Iowa. He left the field holding his hip/back. Brohm expects Graham to be ready to go against Illinois, but may not be able to practice during the week.
