Penn State coach Joe Paterno was vague about his plans for defensive linemen Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma, who surprisingly returned from suspension to practice Monday. He didn’t rule out the possibility that both could play against Illinois on Saturday night.

The two were charged with possession of marijuana after a raid on their apartment in early September and haven’t played the last three games. What kind of impact could they make? Well, Evans is an All-America candidate at defensive end who had 12 1/2 sacks last season. Koroma is also a starter.

Paterno offered little insight during his Monday press conference. But he has expressed some definite concerns about how to slow Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. Might he have found the answer?

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do the rest of the week,” he said.

Asked what had changed to allow them to practice: “I’m not going to comment on that. If you want to, call Judicial Affairs.”

Asked what kind of shape Koroma and Evans might be in after a layoff: ”Next question. I’m not going to get into that with those guys. Simple as that.”

Zook chuckled when the topic was raised during the Big Ten conference call and had little doubt about their status for Saturday.

“They’re going to be back,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any question they’re going to be in there. I’m sure Coach Paterno will make a decision how much they play depending on how practice goes this week.”

If they do play, it will produce a greater challenge for the Illinois offensive line, which lost starting right tackle Ryan Palmer to a broken foot. In his place will be freshman Jeff Allen. It is also possible that starting right guard Jon Asamoah could see time at tackle.