Bielema Injury Report For Illinois Football: Spring 2024

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 4/15/24

Bielema Injury Report For Illinois Football: Spring 2024

Illinois Basketball has spirits riding high in the land of Lincoln from yesterday’s Big Ten Tournament Championship. However, on Monday, we turn to Bret Bielema and his preview presser for Illinois Football spring ball 2024. Bielema’s squad hits the turf for spring practice #1 on Tuesday. Coach spoke on his excitement for spring ball, and what it means looking towards the fall. Before they can get to that point, however, health and depth will be a major key focus.

Bielema’s Injury Report

Bielema was open with the media about the injuries that Illinois Football will have to face going into spring football. The list is not necessarily extensive, but certainly, key names you will want to keep an eye on.

OFFENSE

“Injury-wise, we do have some guys,” says Bret. “Kaden Feagin is coming along great. Doing an unbelievable job and looks good,” Bielema says. Kaden suffered a shoulder injury vs Iowa that ended his season short, ahead of the finale of the 2024 season vs Northwestern. “He has been more and more involved, but will not be able to have contact, and involved in spring ball.”

“Jordan Anderson, same deal recovering extremely well,” said Bielema. The massive power back suffered an ACL tear in August of 2023 and is slowly progressing back to full go. “He won’t be cleared for spring ball.” says the Illini coach.

“Henry Boyer looks great. Incredibly excited about his bright future. But, unfortunately, because of his rehab time table, he will not be able to have a spring ball session as well.” Certainly a piece Illinois will need back in the TE room, as Tip Rieman exits Illinois to prepare for the NFL.

DEFENSE

Kenenna Odeluga suffered a nasty ankle injury in Illinois 2023 finale vs the Northwestern Wildcats. Bielema says “Obviously, you guys know the injury to Kenenna Odeluga. He wont be involved in spring drills, but in his rehab he looks great.” says Bret. “He looks like he’s been in thick of it this whole way, but he is limited on his recovery plan.

“Xavier Scott also had a couple of different procedures done during the offseason.” says the Illini head coach. “Wont be with us through spring ball as well.”

A new injury was brought to the table today by Bielema for Illinois Football. “A new one, this is about two weeks old.” says Bret. “James Kreutz unfortunately had an injury to his chest that required surgery. He’s gonna be ok, but he wont be able to go through anything with us during spring ball. So, that one is new, that you probably didn’t know anything about.” James is the son of former Chicago Bears OL Olin Kreutz, as well as brother to Illini center Josh Kreutz.

Closing Report

Bielema finishes his injury report by stating “Well have some guys with some soft tissue (injuries), and a couple of guys who have had some hamstrings coming out of the end of winter conditioning. But, should be pretty full go for the beginning of spring camp here, and we will adjust as is.”

Video Credit – Illini Inquirer on Youtube