Lewis "Questionable" for Illinois Game

Bloomington - When the Hoosiers take to the practice fields this afternoon to continue preparation for Saturday night's match-up with Illinois, quarterback Kellen Lewis will be on the sidelines sporting a protective boot...

Bloomington – Kellen Lewis appears to be “questionable” – at best – for this weekend’s game at Illinois.

The Hoosiers’ junior quarterback missed the second half of Saturday’s 45-9 loss to Iowa with what is being labeled as a high ankle sprain. IU Coach Bill Lynch said Lewis will be wearing a protective boot at practice Tuesday.

“He’s hurting,” Lynch said. “We’re hoping by the end of the week that we can get him out there.”

Lynch termed Lewis as “questionable” for the Illinois game, saying the staff is hopeful Lewis can return to make his 28th consecutive start dating back to his redshirt freshman season. But considering how noticeably Lewis was limping on the sidelines Saturday and the fact he has had the ankle immobilized since, there would appear to be a very good chance that sophomore Ben Chappell will be the quarterback on Saturday when the game kicks off at 8 p.m.

“He hasn’t been hurt much, so we ahven’t really been through this as far as how quick he can bounce back,” Lynch said. “Certainly you’d hope a guy like that can bounce back quicker than our 300-pound guys.

“He’ll be in a boot today, so it’s clear he has a ways to go.”

Lewis was started the first six games of the season and has completed 83-of-133 passes for 925 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also IU’s leading rusher with 404 yards on 57 carries, and he ranks fifth in the Big Ten in total offense (221.5 yards/game).

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