How Illinois Football is doing on the injury report before Spring Ball

Update: In his Spring Ball preview on Tuesday, Coach Bret Bielema shared injury updates for Illinois Football ahead of the 2025 spring practices. According to the Illini head coach, “We’re gonna have almost 20 guys that won’t be going through spring ball. Just different guys who had to have surgery.” 

From Bielema’s reports, the staff is going to be extremely cautious with those who have had operations over the course of 2024-25 – Some to remain on the safe side, and some to help ensure a full recovery prior to Summer practices, and August Kickoff. Certainly, the Illini coach understands that in order for Illinois to reach their high potential in 2025, staying healthy is going to be key.

Which Fighting Illini players will return to the field soon? Bielema shares updates on all 20 injured effected by the injury bug.

Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA. Credit: Jeremy Reper – Imagn Images

Illinois Football (Pre-Spring Ball) Health Update, per Bielema

“Kaden Feagin, as you all know, had the surgery. He will not be with us this spring. Everything is on track, everything is going absolutely awesome. Gotta continue to slow him down, I know he’s eager and chomping at the bit to get out there.”

“TJ Griffin had a post-season shoulder surgery. So, he’s out.”

“JJ Hirdes will be out for spring ball. A freshman that joined us – he had knee surgery that he had prior to coming here. We’ll get him involved in the summer, everything is going in the right direction.”

“Ashton Hollins actually had surgery in both shoulders, so will be out for the remainder of spring ball, but will be with us hopefully in the summer.” 

“Karson Kaiser – still complications from his ACL surgery. So, he won’t be with us this spring.”

“Andre Lovett also had a pre-existing shoulder injury coming in, so he had surgery, and won’t be with us this spring out on the field.”

“TJ McMillen had post-season shoulder surgery as well, so, he will be out for spring ball and join us in the summer.”

“Mario Sanders and Cole Rusk will be out at the beginning, but we do hope those guys will join us halfway through – from surgeries that they had prior to the season.”

“Dez Schuster also had post-season shoulder surgery, and will be out.”

“Miles Scott has post-bowl game surgery on his foot, as well as his shoulder. So, he’ll be with us this summer, but won’t be with us in the spring.”

“Xavier Scott as well, just healing up some things from the season, won’t be with us to start the beginning of spring ball, may be limited as we go through it.”

“Grant Smith– also pre-existing shoulder injury before he came here. Had a shoulder surgery, will be out this spring.”

“Tyler Strain had postseason shoulder surgery as well.”

“Eddie Tuerk unfortunately about 2-3 weeks ago had an injury to his foot that required surgery. So, he’ll be out during the spring. He switched from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive side, and everything was going well. But, obviously, the foot injury will curtail him from where we are now.”

“Jeremiah Warren also had a post-season shoulder surgery, as well.”

Video Credit: Illini Inquirer