Purdue football could be down multiple key defenders at Illinois, plus the starting QB

• Saturday’s game: Purdue (1-4) at No. 23 Illinois (4-1), 3:30 p.m., FS1

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Purdue football’s defense remains uncertain as to whether some key contributors will play Saturday at Illinois.

Safety Antonio Stevens and defensive tackle Mo Omonodo were listed as questionable on the Boilermakers’ Big Ten-mandated availability report released prior to the game. Both were also listed as questionable last week at Wisconsin, and neither played in the 52-6 loss.

Starting defensive tackle Damarjhe Lewis is listed as unavailable. So is linebacker Winston Berglund — who left that loss at Wisconsin early.

The availability report confirmed earlier reports that starting quarterback Hudson Card will not play today. Redshirt freshman Ryan Browne is expected to make his first career start in Card’s place.

The report also now classifies CJ Madden’s unspecified injury as keeping him out for the season. The rush end transfer from Georgia played in only three games.

Stevens has not played since a Sept. 21 game at Oregon State due to an unspecified injury. His 18 tackles still rank sixth on the team despite the two missed games. Third-year sophomore Joseph Jefferson has started in Stevens’ place.

Omonode did not play at Wisconsin last week after being listed as questionable. He has formed a nose tandem with Cole Brevard, totaling seven tackles over four games.

Lewis’ 14 tackles include three for loss this season, and he also blocked a field goal. Berglund has played more Mike linebacker in recent weeks as Kydran Jenkins returned more frequently to his previous spot at rush end. Berglund’s nine tackles (two for loss) include one sack.

Others listed as unavailable include receivers Jayden Dixon-Veal and CJ Smith, defensive back Salim Turner-Muhammad, backup offensive tackle Joshua Sales Jr. and tight end George Burhen.