Illinois RB Kaden Feagin will miss time, coach Brad Bielema confirms

Illinois starting running back Kaden Feagin was unexpectedly sidelined for Saturday’s home game against Purdue. An unspecified injury was initially reported.

Coach Bret Bielema ended the tension immediately after the Illini’s wild 50-49 overtime victory:

“He hyperextended his left leg,” Bielema said of Feagin, who reportedly suffered the injury during the Illini’s Tuesday practice this week. “At the time it happened, it didn’t look great.”

As for the timetable for Feagin’s return, Bielema was noncommittal: “I think he’ll be out for a while, unfortunately.”

Feagin has racked up 306 rushing yards and three touchdowns in five games this season. With any luck, the injury won’t be as serious as the shoulder ailment he suffered as a freshman last year when his season was cut short and he required offseason surgery.

In Feagin’s place on Saturday, Josh McCray rose to the occasion, scoring three touchdowns for 124 total yards. Bielema spoke fondly of McCray during the post-game press conference, recalling the moment he offered a scholarship to the junior from Enterprise, Alabama. Smart move, coach.