CHAMPAIGN – Illinois tailback Daniel Dufrene is questionable for Saturday's game at Missouri, coach Ron Zook said after Monday's practice.

Dufrene, who was second on the team in rushing last season with 663 yards, missed Monday's workout.

"They're doing a special brace for him," Zook said. "The only time they could finish it up was this afternoon. He was going to try to get back out there."

Zook said he doesn't know who will be at tailback if Dufrene isn't able to play. Jason Ford, Mikel Leshoure and Troy Pollard all played in 2008. Freshman Justin Green has been impressive during training camp.

"At this point in time, it could be anybody else," Zook said. "(Dufrene) has missed a few days. It's not a big deal who's starting. They've all got to play and they're all going to play."

Zook wants Dufrene to be 100 percent for Saturday.

"It's just a matter of wait and see where he is," Zook said. "He was running in the whirlpool (Sunday). That's a start."

– Zook will announce late this morning the Missouri game playing status for defensive tackle Josh Brent. The junior spent a month in jail during the summer after pleading guilty to a DUI charge. He was reinstated to the team, but hasn't been cleared for games.

Brent is listed as one of the starters and is expected to play. But the final declaration will come from Zook, who has been supportive of Brent's return.

– Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, defensive end Doug Pilcher, quarterback Juice Williams and defensive tackle Sirod Williams will serve as captains for Saturday's game.

"Sirod's worked hard and he's excited about getting back out there playing," Zook said.

– Zook said he hasn't been able to follow the controversy at Michigan, where former players have accused coach Rich Rodriguez of violating NCAA rules on hours they can spend on football.

"Coach Rodriguez, he knows the rules," Zook said.