Northern Illinois University wide receiver/kick returner Trayvon Rudolph (Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee HS) will miss the 2022 football season after suffering a non-contact knee injury during preseason practices earlier this week, NIU head coach Thomas Hammock announced Friday.

“Obviously we feel for Trayvon for his 2022 season to end before it began due to a non-contact injury, and we will support him as he goes through the rehab process,” Hammock said. “In this program, we have a ‘next man up’ mentality with a focus on developing players and building quality depth. We have a talented group of receivers on this roster and look forward to seeing them take the opportunity to step up to help our offense.”

NIU kicks off the 2022 season at Huskie Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 1 versus Eastern Illinois.  Kickoff is at 7 p.m. (CT).