Offensive guard Hugh Thornton, who left Illinois' 28-22 victory over Northern Illinois with a neck injury, has a strained muscle and is expected to return for Illinois' next game, vs. Ohio State on Oct. 2, coach Ron Zook said Sunday.
``They did an MRI and a CT scan,'' Zook said. ``Hugh just has a strained neck.''
Thornton was injured late in the third quarter in what looked like helmet-to-helmet contact as he attempted to execute a block.
``He put his head down, which is exactly what you shouldn't do,'' the coach said. ``We'll keep him out of contact this week, but he'll be ready for Ohio State.''