Illinois WR Mike Dudek will seek redshirt after knee injury

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois receiver Mike Dudek will apply for a medical redshirt after missing most of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Sports information director Kent Brown said Wednesday that the sophomore will not play this season. Interim coach Bill Cubit has said for weeks that it was unlikely.

Junior receiver Justin Hardeealso could still seek a redshirt though no decision has been made. Hardee broke a bone in his foot last summer and has yet to play.

Both were expected to start for the Illini (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten).

As a freshman last year, Dudek led Illinois with 76 catches for 1,038 yards.