CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois linebacker Mike Svetina is out eight to 10 weeks with a broken left foot.
Sports information director Kent Brown on Friday confirmed Svetina's injury. Svetina broke his foot Tuesday during practice.
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The junior started 11 games in 2013 and was fifth on the team in tackles with 57. He entered preseason practice as a likely backup but one who could see a lot of game time.
At the soonest, Svetina could be back by early to mid-October, early in the Big Ten season.
Brown said sophomore B.J. Bello and "a host of others" will move into Svetina's slot.
Backup running back Donovonn Young is also out after suffering a concussion this week. Brown said the timetable for Young's return isn't clear.