CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois head coach Bret Bielema provided the latest injury news on several players during his Monday press conference.

The Illini defensive secondary was battered and bruised in a 63-10 loss to Indiana. There is more unfortunate news for that group: Preseason First Team All-Big Ten selection (Athlon/Steele) Xavier Scott will miss extended time.

He is expected to have surgery on Wednesday. Bielema did not rule Scott out for the season, citing a possibility he returns late in the year.

Scott got hurt in the second half of Illinois’ week three win against Western Michigan. He did not play against Indiana.

It’s believed to be a foot/ankle injury for the 2024 All-American honorable mention (Phil Steele).

Illinois had four other defensive backs go down at some point throughout the beatdown by the Hoosiers. This story will be updated with updates on Torrie Cox, Matthew Bailey, Kaleb Patterson and Mac Resetich.

• Matthew Bailey is in concussion protocol, Bielema believes he will get cleared before the USC game
• Kaleb Patterson had x-rays negative and is expected to be back at practice on Tuesday
• Torrie Cox’s MRI’s were negative, he will also return to practice on Tuesday

Miles Scott will return for the USC game. He was not injured, but rather ejected for targeting. Ben Clawson will return to practice this week after missing multiple games.

Elsewhere, Bielema said wide receiver Justin Bowick is healthy and was cleared for the IU game, despite not playing. Running back Aidan Laughery warmed up in Bloomington, but did not feel full speed. Bielema expects him to be fully back this week.