The very last thing Illinois needs as it looks to snap a three-game losing streak is the loss of a playmaker on offense. So, of course, that’s exactly what’s happened.
Head coach Tim Beckman confirmed during a Tuesday teleconference that Ryan Lankford will indeed undergo surgery to repair a previously-announced shoulder injury. The wide receiver broke a bone in the area during the blowout loss to Michigan State Saturday.
As a result of the injury and subsequent surgery, Lankford will miss the remainder of the 2013 season.
Lankford leads all Illini wide receivers in yards with 308, while his 15 receptions are fourth on the team. His 20.5 yards per catch tops the team as well.