Hoosiers monitoring injuries ahead of Rutgers trip

For three weeks, Indiana navigated the non-conference schedule relatively injury-free.

That’s no longer the case as the Hoosiers continue with Big Ten play.

IU opened Saturday’s game against Michigan State without receiver Luke Timian and defensive tackle Jacob Robinson, then lost hybrid safety Cam Jones late in regulation. Receiver Whop Philyor, too, emerged slightly hobbled from the 35-21 loss to the Spartans.

Indiana coach Tom Allen said Monday that the team will monitor all four players this week before determining their availability for Saturday’s game at Rutgers. Allen did not specify the nature of their injuries.

Philyor turned in a career-best effort, despite not playing at full health. The sophomore matched his personal high with 13 receptions for a career-high 148 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown.

“He’s a tough nut and fought through it, so hopefully we’ll continue to get him better,” Allen said. “But he made plays and had to kind of keep him going back and getting some treatment and getting squared away. But he wanted to stay in there, and he was able to obviously stay in there, and I think he needs to continue to work to get better.”

Timian didn’t dress for the Michigan State game and will be a game-time decision this week.

“Would love to be able to get him back, but we don’t know for sure if he will be,” Allen said.

Jones also played well before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. He recored his first career interception and his first forced fumble, finishing with three solo tackles.

“He’s on our list of game-time decisions,” Allen said. “We won’t know until later in the week. Definitely do not know right now if he’ll be available.”

Robinson was injured during practice last week. He dressed for the opening coin toss, but did not play.

“He’s a week-to-week situation right now,” Allen said. “Don’t know what his status will be for sure this week, but important guy for us and want to get him back as soon as possible.”