Juice Williams injury update

Illinois coach Ron Zook declared Tuesday morning that he's "cautiously optimistic" that Juice Williams will play on his injured left ankle in Saturday's Land of Lincoln Trophy game with Northwestern. At the same time, though, Zook termed Juice's health as "questionable." He did not practice on Monday night.

"He's getting treatment 24/7," Zook said. "I was in there with him with the doctor and he was moving, pressing, twisting....I'd say you'll probably see him in uniform."

Since that's not a ringing endorsement that Juice will make his 43rd career start on Saturday, it's probably safer to assume redshirt freshman Jacob Charest gets his first start. Eddie McGee, who has been at receiver the last three weeks, will assume double duty throughout the week.

"He's got to be able to play quarterback and he's got to be able to play receiver," Zook said.

LW