Bret Bielema indicated Illinois will be without one of its running backs against Indiana. Sophomore Josh McCray suffered a right knee injury against Wyoming last weekend with what appeared to be a nasty hyperextension.

During his Monday press conference, Bielema announced McCray will indeed be out against Indiana. Long term, it is still too early for the Illini to know what his prognosis is.

The injury came during the second half and McCray was unable to put weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field. The 235-pound running back rushed for 33 yards on 8 carries before the injury.

Primary ball carrier Chase Brown carried the ball 19 times for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Cowboys. The junior running back is a Doak Walker Award candidate this season. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore.

This is a blow to Illinois’ backfield depth. McCray was second on the team last season with 112 carries and 549 rushing yards. His 4.9 yards per carry was ninth overall in the B1G.

This could be something to watch moving forward. While the Hoosiers went winless in conference play last season, it could become a problem for Illinois down the line.