The Illini will be without their top defensive lineman for the first two games of the upcoming season.
Head coach Tim Beckman told reporters Friday that Jihad Ward will be out for games against Kent State and Western Illinois with an injury, one that will require minor surgery and keep Ward off the practice field for three or four weeks.
“He’ll be out for the first two football games,” Beckman said, his quotes published by the Champaign News Gazette. “He’ll be having a little surgery here in a couple days.
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“It’s never a good time for anybody to get injured because he’s been practicing hard. He’ll be back on the field when he’s ready.”
[MORE BIG TEN: Big Ten preview: Will experience lead to success for Illini defense?]
Beckman didn't tell reporters what the injury was, though reports have indicated it's a knee injury. Similar to the ACL injuries suffered during spring practice by wide receiver Mike Dudek and running back Dre Brown, Ward's injury was a non-contact injury.
Ward, entering his second season with the Illini after transferring in from junior college ahead of the 2014 season, is expected to be one of Illinois' top defensive players. Last season, he recorded 51 tackles including 8.5 for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
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The injury to Ward will require some juggling on the defensive line for the first two games, with Dawuane Smoot being the likely choice to slide in for Ward at defensive end.