Smith: Lunt improving, but no word on return for Michigan

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois coach Lovie Smith says injured quarterback Wes Lunt is improving but will not yet say whether he will return for Saturday's game at No. 3 Michigan.

Lunt sat out Saturday's win over Rutgers with a back injury. Smith declined to provide details about Lunt's injury or any others.

Lunt was hurt during a loss to Purdue on Oct. 8 and has not practiced since.

Sophomore Chayce Crouch replaced Lunt against Purdue and started at Rutgers.

Crouch was 9-of-14 passing for 92 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After running for 137 yards against Purdue, he was held to 25 yards at Rutgers.

Crouch appeared to have some kind of trouble with his right shoulder during the game but both he and Smith said afterward that he was fine.