The availability report has been released for Saturday’s game between Purdue and Illinois. The Boilermakers are without a starting defensive back.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue will be without a starting defensive back for Saturday’s home game against No. 22 Illinois. Senior Tony Grimes has been ruled out with an injury, according to the team’s availability report.
Grimes started all four of Purdue’s games this season, recording nine tackles, including five solo stops. His absence is a blow to a secondary that has already struggled in 2025, allowing 213 passing yards per game, giving up 14 completions of 20-plus yards, and failing to record an interception while forcing just one turnover.
That could spell trouble against an efficient Illinois passing game led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has thrown for 1,183 yards, 11 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a completion rate above 71 percent.
On offense, wide receiver EJ Horton Jr. is listed as questionable. Horton has appeared in all four games, starting twice, and has caught 10 passes for 125 yards. He’s been a valuable part of a receiving group that has shown major progress compared to last season.
Overall, six Boilermakers are ruled out for the game, with Horton the only player questionable. Illinois, meanwhile, lists five players out, one questionable, and five out for the season.
Kickoff at Ross-Ade Stadium is scheduled for noon ET, with coverage on the Big Ten Network.
Purdue availability report
Out: #0 Tony Grimes (DB), #8 De’Nylon Morrissette (WR), #13 TJ Lindsey (DT), #41 Jon Grimmett (TE), #81 George Burhenn (TE), #96 Jordan Cree (DL)
Questionable: #13 EJ Horton Jr. (WR)
Out for season: #9 Jalil Hall (WR)
Illinois availability report
Out: #4 Daniel Brown (LB), #14 Xavier Scott (DB), #21 Ben Clawson (DB), #42 Luke Zardzin (LB), #72 Ayden Knapik (OL)
Questionable: #64 Josh Kreutz (OL)
Out for season: #16 Logan Farrell (TE), #20 John Forster (RB), #32 Tywan Cox (DB), #56 JJ Hirdes (OL), #84 Grant Smith (TE)
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