Illini lineman Lewis out with ACL tear

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois offensive lineman Corey Lewis will have surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament and may miss next season.

Illinois spokesman Kent Brown said Tuesday the normal recovery time for the surgery is six to nine months. Brown called Lewis' odds of playing this fall slim.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound junior from Cresco, Pa. tore the ligament during last Saturday's spring game. He was projected to start at tackle for Illinois.