Key Illinois defensive end Michael Buchanan suffered a broken jaw in a Champign area altercation, spokesman Kent Brown said Wednesday.
``He has his jaw wired shut, but we hope to have him back for the season,'' said Brown, adding that Buchanan's recovery timetable won't be set formally until he's seen by more medical personnel.
Buchanan, a 6-6, 240-pound senior from Homewood-Flossmoor, was second-team All-Big Ten last fall, when his 7.5 sacks ranked fourth in the Big Ten. He considered declaring for the NFL draft, but opted to remain at Illinois after meeting with new coach Tim Beckman and his staff.
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
Leave a comment