CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois has lost yet another player to a season-ending injury after freshman running back Pierre Thomas had surgery to relieve swelling on his bruised left leg.

Thomas had the surgery Monday, coach Ron Turner said.

"Everybody was surprised," Turner said. "The medical staff knew it was a deep bruise, but the swelling just got worse and worse, and they had to do something."

Thomas' leg was bruised when it was hit by an opponent's helmet in last Saturday's 36-to-10 loss to Minnesota.

Thomas had been filling in for running back E.B. Halsey, who was hurt against Michigan two weeks ago. He rushed for 70 yards on 15 carries against the Gophers before he was hurt.

Thomas is the fifth Illini player to be lost to a season-ending injury. The others are defensive end Mike O'Brien (knee surgery), offensive guard Bryan Koch (neck), quarterback Jon Beutjer (back surgery) and wide receiver Lonnie Hurst (broken leg).

Halsey is not expected to play against 13th-ranked Iowa on Saturday, but he is expected to return before the season ends. Turner said either freshman Marcus Mason or junior Morris Virgil would start at running back Saturday.

The Illini (1-8) have lost seven straight games.

Originally published Thursday, October 30, 2003