Mallory undergoes surgery for groin injury
The injury report for the Illinois football team reached the coaching staff Monday.
Co-defensive coordinator Curt Mallory left Camp Rantoul shortly after a morning practice and underwent out-patient surgery for a groin injury. Mallory could return to the practice fields as soon as today, although he may first need permission from his wife, Lori.
"Knowing coach Mallory, he'll be here tomorrow,'' Zook said after Monday night's practice. "I told Lori to keep him there as long as he needs to be there.''
Mallory endured pain through the first of two practice sessions, then met with team's medical staff before quickly leaving for a hospital in Champaign-Urbana.
Meanwhile, star freshman receiver Arrelious Benn regained much of his range of motion in the right shoulder he sprained during the team's intrasquad scrimmage Saturday. Although Benn is anxious to return to the practice fields, Zook planned to keep him away from contact for the rest of the week and keep Benn out of the team's scrimmage Saturday.
"I'll tell you right now . . . we'll hold him from the scrimmage,'' Zook said. "He'll have another scrimmage and another chance to get in there.''
The news Monday wasn't so good for sophomore receiver Chris James. The backup at slot receiver behind Benn, James will likely miss two weeks before undergoing further evaluation after suffering damage to his medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the scrimmage, Zook said.
James could face surgery later this month.
Redshirt freshman defensive end Jerry Brown briefly attempted to practice Monday morning, but he instead rehabbed with strength coach Lou Hernandez during both practice sessions. Freshman defensive tackle Josh Brent will apparently miss at least a week with a sprained knee.
Freshman Brian Gamble moved from the defensive backfield to the inside receiver spot during the morning workout.
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.
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