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Michigan State football vs Illinois injury update: Key LB returns

Michigan State football’s defense gets a crucial boost for Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Illinois, with senior linebacker **Jordan Hall** returning to action after missing the past two games. Hall, a team captain, sat out the losses to Nebraska and Wisconsin due to injuries—first a left-foot issue and later a right-arm problem—and was initially listed as unavailable for the Illinois game.

His return adds experience to a Spartans unit already dealing with key absences, including starting cornerback **Tyran Chappell**, who has missed three straight contests, and linebacker **Caleb Wheatland**, sidelined after his own injury against Wisconsin. Meanwhile, cornerback **Tre Bell** is back on the field after being listed as questionable, while backup quarterback **Cam Fancher** was ruled out entirely.

Illinois, also looking to stabilize its roster, will make decisions on three players—wide receiver **Jayshon Platt**, defensive back **Tywan Cox**, and offensive lineman **Champ Smith**—at game time. The Fighting Illini are already without running back **Ca’Lil Valentine** and a handful of other starters, including wide receiver **Alex Perry** and defensive lineman **Carter Smith**.

Michigan State (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten play) and Illinois (2-3, 0-2) both enter the game with identical records, seeking to improve their standing in a competitive division.

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