Illinois defensive tackle Sirod Williams has a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the 2008 season.
The injury happened during Saturday's evening practice at Camp Rantoul. An MRI was done Monday and the Illinois coaches were hoping it wasn't a serious injury. They got the news Tuesday night.
"It is unfortunate," Illinois coach Ron Zook said after this morning's practice. "The fortunate thing is that he does have a redshirt year, so we'll have him one more year.
"Sirod is such a great guy and a leader. He's taking it well. He understands that we'll get it fixed and he'll play one more year."
Williams was working with the first-team defense at the time of the injury and was expected to start the opener against Missouri. With Williams out, sophomore Josh Brent and others will compete for the job.
"We're working a lot of guys at multiple positions," Zook said. "The defensive line is the strength of our football team."
Williams won't have surgery immediately, Zook said, while doctors wait for the swelling to subside.