CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois receiver Mike Dudek will miss a second consecutive season after again tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, coach Lovie Smith said Friday.
Dudek will have surgery next week after tearing the ACL last Saturday in a non-contact drill, Smith said. The severity of the injury was confirmed Friday.
"The game sometimes can be cruel," Smith said. "It's unfortunate. The guy worked himself pretty hard to get back in position."
Dudek was not available for comment, but posted a Bible verse on Twitter feed late Friday, after Smith confirmed the news.