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Mike Dudek Injury Update: Illinois WR officially ruled out for the 2016 season

The coaching staff finally made this official on Monday.

By Jim Vainisi
Illinois v Nebraska Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images

Fighting Illini football wide receiver Mike Dudek was pushing for a return this Fall following a second torn ACL in his left knee, but that best-case scenario was officially put to rest on Monday. According to Illinois offensive coordinator Garrick McGee, the star sophomore will be shut down in hopes of returning next Spring at 100%.

"I don’t think at this point it would be worth it. We want to keep him healthy and we’re in the process of building us a program. A healthy Mikey with Malik [Turner] coming back, with Desmond [Cain], with the recruits we’re gonna bring in — could be a really talented crew."

~ Garrick McGee

Additionally, Dudek’s father informed Illini Inquirer the plan is to "wait until next year (to return)."

Dudek has spent the last two years rehabilitating his knee after a stellar freshman campaign in which he hauled in 76 catches for 1,038 yards and 6 touchdowns.