Illinois suffered its first significant injury of fall camp earlier this week, as four-star freshman defensive back Marquez Beason was carted off the field during a practice. A few days later, head coach Lovie Smith provided a brief update.

The update, though, is not optimistic.

According to Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer, Beason’s injury this week is “significant” in nature and could likely cost the freshman at least a portion of the season. Smith didn’t provide many details, but it sounds like he expects his freshman to miss some time.

“You can tell that he has a significant knee injury,” Smith said. “That’s about where we are right now.

“When you see a guy out on crutches, you saw the injury, it’s not looking good. When we have something definite to say, we will. Right now, it’s just unfortunate. He was having a great training camp. But eventually, we’ll get him back out there.”

RELATED: Beason Carted Off Field During Illini Practice

Smith also said he has “no idea” if Beason will be available for Illinois’ season opener against Akron.

Beason left practice early this week because of the injury, being carted off the field. When he returned, he was on crutches and wearing a knee brace.