Last week, Illinois wide receiver Ricky Smalling underwent knee surgery.

On Tuesday, coach Lovie Smith announced that he will miss the remainder of the year. Smalling, a junior, played in six games this season — the last of which came against Michigan on Oct. 12.

He totaled 24 catches (second-best on the team) for 225 yards (third-best) and one touchdown.

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As mentioned in the tweet above, Josh Imatorbhebhe — the team’s leading receiver — will continue to get a lot of playing time, as will Casey Washington, Donny Navarro and Caleb Reams.

Illinois, at 6-4 overall, has a bye this week and will head to Kinnick Stadium to play Iowa on Nov. 23 in Week 13.