DEKALB - A hand injury that forced Northern Illinois tailback Me'co Brown to the sideline in the second half of Saturday's opener at Wisconsin isn't expected to sideline him this week.
"I'm anticipating he'll be ready to play (in Saturday's home opener vs. Western Illinois)," coach Jerry Kill said following the team's Wednesday practice.
Brown has practiced twice this week with his left hand protected by a cast.
"It's not broken," said Kill, adding that he still hadn't been informed of the results of an MRI taken Tuesday.
Brown, who led the team with 510 rushing yards last year as a true freshman, had a team-high 64 yards on 11 carries before leaving after being injured on a carry where he lost a fumble. Brown had a long-gainer of 47 yards against the Badgers in the 28-20 loss.
Kill said Brown wouldn't be able to play with the hand in a cast, which is precautionary for what are thought to be torn thumb ligaments.
"It will depend on whether he can hold onto the ball or not," said Kill. "But he was catching punts (in practice) today. I think they'll be able to wrap it so he can play with it."