Freshman Anthony Speca is expected to play if DeLuca was ruled out, Franklin said after practice Wednesday.
The Nittany Lions also appeared on Big Noon Kickoff against West Virginia.
Penn State begins Big Ten play under the lights on Saturday.
"We are preparing him this week to be ready to go."
It's the right thing to do.
No. 19 Illinois is red-hot, coming off a road win at previously-ranked Nebraska.