Once again, Illinois will be without one of its most productive players on the offensive side of the ball.
On the team’s injury report released Thursday evening, the Illini confirmed that Josh Ferguson will not play in this Saturday’s game against Wisconsin. Ferguson sustained an injury to his right shoulder in the first quarter of the Week 6 game against Nebraska.
The injury also kept the running back out of last weekend’s loss to unbeaten Iowa.
Prior to this past Saturday, Ferguson’s 381 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns and 5.4 yards per carry were all tops on the team. He’s added 12 receptions for 28 yards and another touchdown coming out of the backfield.
Ferguson’s backup, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, now stands as the Illini’s leading rusher with 407 yards. He also has three touchdowns on the ground.
Additionally, wide receiver Marchie Murdock has been ruled out of the game as well. Entering Week 8, Murdock is second on the team in receiving yards (194) and third in receptions (20). His three receiving touchdowns are tied for the team lead.