DE Jihad Ward to miss 2 games for Illinois

Illinoisdefensive end Jihad Ward will likely miss the team's first two games after suffering an undisclosed injury in practice Wednesday night, coach Tim Beckman said Friday.

Ward, who had 51 tackles and three sacks last season after transferring from junior college, will undergo minor surgery and will be out for the next three to four weeks, Beckman said.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Ward was expected to be the best pass-rusher for a team that finished last in the Big Ten in total defense and points allowed last season.

The Illini open the 2015 season with home games against Kent State and Western Illinois.