Redshirt freshman quarterback Nate Scheelhaase, who bruised the back of his throwing hand when it was stepped on during the first half of Illinois' 43-13 victory over Indiana, Saturday, is doing fine, coach Ron Zook said Sunday.
``The swelling's down,'' said Zook, adding that he never considered the injury a serious threat. ``I didn't think it was an issue.''
In Illinois' other Saturday injury, Zook said backup tailback Jason Ford's ankle sprain is not a high ankle sprain, and Ford is not expected to miss any time.
``Right now, I feel Jason will be fine,'' Zook said.
The injury reports are a relief for the IllinI, who can move within one win of bowl eligibility by beating Purdue in Champaign Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN2/ESPN3). Zook's not bowl-gazing yet, though.
``We're worried about one game,'' the coach said. ``We've got five one-game seasons.''
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
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