ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Indiana expects junior quarterback Kellen Lewis to play Saturday against Central Michigan after missing the last two games with a high ankle sprain.

Whether Lewis moves back into the starting role remains to be seen. Head coach Bill Lynch said Lewis participated fully in Monday's practice and moved around better than he has the last two weeks.

"Provided there's not a setback during the week, we'll assume he's going to be ready," Lynch said. "He was fully engaged in practice, from start to finish."

Indiana has used Lewis and backup Ben Chappell on the field together this season and might go back it against the Chippewas. Chappell led Indiana to its first Big Ten win last Saturday, completing 21 of 34 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions against Northwestern.

"It reinforced what we felt about him all along," Lynch said. "He has a presence to him. He's a really good player who understands his strengths and weaknesses."

Starting strong safety Austin Thomas will be out this week after sustaining a leg injury on the second of two interceptions against Northwestern. Thomas, who missed three games earlier this season with a leg injury, will undergo further tests on the leg later this week.

Starting tackle Rodger Saffold (undisclosed) and tight end Brian Zematis (ankle) also will miss the Central Michigan game. Offensive linemen James Brewer and Mike Reiter are expected to return from injuries.

Lynch also said Chappell is fine after being shaken up in the game.