BREAKING: Palczewski, Barnes out the year for Illinois

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports Lovie Smith announced Monday that the Illini will be without both Alex Palczewski and Tarique Barnes for the remainder of the season.

Palczewski suffered a leg injury against Rutgers and Barnes was injured in the Illini’s last game against Nebraska — both will have their year’s end with season-ending surgery.

Palczewski is a senior on the offensive line, primarily playing right tackle and starting over 40 games in his Illini career. A team captain and trusted leader offensively, Palczewski’s loss is a big one for Illinois.

“It hurts him, it hurts him bad,” said offensive coordinator Rod Smith. “He takes it to heart. You feel for the kid. He’s one of, in my…