Potential Illinois Starter Henry Dickinson Out For Season

Illinois linebacker Henry Dickinson is out for the 2012 season after suffering fractures in both his leg and ankle.

Dickinson, a sophomore, was a potential starter this season. He had been fighting for that job with Houston Bates, who is now expected to win the starting role. Dickinson played in 11 games for the Illini last season, seeing most of his action on special teams but was expected to have an increased role this year. A team spokesman said he was injured in a scrimmage last week. It is expected that Illinois will redshirt him for the season, giving him three remaining years of eligibility starting with a 2013 return.

The Fighting Illini open their season on Sept. 1 against the Western Michigan Broncos. Last season Illinois finished 7-6, but ended the season on a six-game losing streak before defeating UCLA in the Kraft Foods Hunger Bowl.