N. Illinois football coach Kill has surgery

Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill underwent surgery Friday but plans to lead the Huskies in their home opener against North Dakota.

Kill said his surgical procedure, which required an overnight stay, shouldn't worry anybody who recalls Kill's battle with kidney cancer in 2005.

"My situation's not serious," Kill said. "It's not cancer-related or anything of that nature. It is what it is. I just had to deal with something. I didn't have a choice."

He returned for a portion of Monday's practice ("I wasn't supposed to be, but I was there") before reassuming more control of the team Tuesday.

NIU had a few other important returnees to practice.

Senior safety Mike Sobol, who had been working out but not enough to start in the Iowa State opener, could return to the lineup.

Senior Patrick George, the team's best and most experienced corner, was on the practice field after missing the Iowa State game with an ankle injury.