Illinois quarterback Katin Houser will miss four to six weeks after having surgery on his throwing hand, coach Bret Bielema told reporters Wednesday.
Houser was injured in Saturday’s 38-37 victory over Michigan State while making a tackle after he threw an interception. Freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II entered in relief and completed 6 of 8 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns as the Illini won in overtime.
The Illini (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) have a bye this weekend before hosting Oregon on Oct. 24.
“(Clayton) was obviously ecstatic after the game,” Bielema told reporters. “I had a long conversation with him Sunday night about what it means to be a starting quarterback in this league and college football.
“He actually had another really good practice today. Carson (Boyd) was really good today as well. So excited about his opportunity.”
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Clayton was a three-star recruit out of Florida, ranked between No. 49 and No. 91 by various outlets among last year’s high school senior quarterbacks.
He ascended to the backup job over Boyd, a sophomore from St. Louis. Bielema said they had a plan that Boyd would fill in if he was needed for only a few plays but that Clayton would be the backup if someone was needed longer term to replace Houser.
Houser, a fifth-year offseason transfer from East Carolina, has completed 122 of 184 passes (66.3%) for 1,440 yards and 12 touchdowns with four interceptions in six games this season.
A four-week recovery would mean he potentially could return for the last two or three games of the regular season.
“Originally after the game, I was told anywhere from four to six weeks, so we’ll stay in that time frame,” Bielema said. “But knowing him and where he’s at and what we were able to get him around, it’s been a positive step in the right direction. When that one happens, I’ll give you plenty of notice.”
The Illini already lost one key offensive player this season when running back Ca’Lil Valentine suffered a leg injury against Purdue that required surgery.