Could Brandon Peters be returning to the field for Illinois?

Illini coach Bret Bielema didn’t rule his QB1 out in his weekly press conference Monday afternoon. Although Peters hasn’t been cleared to practice yet, he could return this week for Illinois’ game against No. 7 Penn State.

Peters hasn’t practiced since getting hurt during Illinois’ 24-0 loss to Wisconsin in Week 6. It’s the second time this year he suffered an injury during a game after hurting his shoulder in Week 0 against Nebraska. Art Sitkowski came in as a good replacement for a couple games, but he — along with the rest of the Illini offense — struggled against a good Wisconsin defense before the bye.

In 5 appearances this season, Peters has completed 40 of 82 passes for 410 yards and a touchdown. Sitkowski, meanwhile, is 66-of-129 for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns in 6 games. That provides some comfort if Peters can’t go this week.