Coach Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini are 2.5-point road favorites heading into this Saturday's game against Aazaar Abdul-Rahim's Maryland Terrapins, with quarterback Michael Clayton II expected to start.

Clayton II has filled in for the injured Katin Houser, who broke his right throwing hand against the Michigan State Spartans and has worked to rehab it ever since. 

Houser had been performing at a high level prior to the injury as one of the Big Ten's leading passers. Week 9's injury report has been released by the Fighting Illini, and it leaves the door open for a potential return from the Illinois quarterback at some point this season. 

Houser was listed as 'doubtful' on Illinois' injury report for the Maryland game, along with another surprise entrant, former Florida Atlantic transfer Jayshon Platt. 

Ten players were listed in total, including former starting running back Ca'Lil Valentine and linebacker Grant Beerman, who's out for the season with a broken foot.  

Houser has thrown for 1,440 yards this season, including 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions. The Anaheim, Calif. native transferred from East Carolina this offseason by way of Michigan State, one year after throwing for 3,300 yards with the Pirates. 

Houser also ran for 120 yards and four touchdowns with the Fighting Illini before suffering the broken hand against the Spartans, a game that resulted in a 38-37 overtime Illinois win after Clayton II took over. 

The Illini QB Houser completed 20-of-29 passes for 194 yards with a touchdown and an interception in East Lansing, Michigan before his third quarter injury, and has been working his way back. Being listed as doubtful gives hope that he may return at some point this season, although it likely won't be against the Terrapins. 

Houser's original injury prognosis was four to six weeks after suffering the hand injury, which occurred on Oct. 10 and led to surgery on Oct. 14. 

Houser led Illinois to a 2-3 record in his first five games, but played far better than the results on the scoreboard showed. He was routinely praised by offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and QB coach Arthur Stikowski for his steady play, leadership skills and talents and appeared poised for another excellent statistical season.

Illinois beat Oregon 21-10 last week with Clayton II starting, but a healthy Houser would be the favorite for the starting quarterback position, should he have the chance to play again before the end of the season. 

Illinois has five games left, including ranked matchups at No. 7 UCLA and at No. 20 Northwestern to close out the season.