Illini guard Jaylon Tate has surgery on finger, recovery time unknown

Illinois head coach John Groce provided an update on junior guard Jaylon Tate's status Saturday afternoon, but one big question went left unanswered.

Groce released a statement saying that Tate had surgery to repair the finger Tate dislocated in Friday night's season-opening loss to North Florida, but the Groce did not say how much time Tate would miss while recovering from the surgery.

"We appreciate everyone who has reached out regarding Jaylon's health after his injury in Friday's game," Groce's statement read. "He underwent surgery last night in Champaign to repair an open dislocation in his right little finger and is currently resting following the procedure. Jaylon plans to attend Sunday's game to support his teammates. We look forward to having him back with us."

Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.

[SHOP BIG TEN: Get your Fighting Illini gear right here]

Saying that Tate "plans to attend Sunday's game to support his teammates" obviously informs that Tate won't play Sunday, but his status beyond that is unknown. He figures to miss some time while recovering, but it's unknown how much time.

Tate started Friday's game and played 11 minutes before exiting with the dislocated finger. He took four shots, missing all four, scoring no points and handing out one assist.

Tate was expected to serve as the team's primary point guard this season with senior Tracy Abrams losing a second straight season to a preseason injury. But if Tate is out for a significant amount of time, the Illini could be on their third starting point guard — who, in all likelihood, would be graduate transfer Khalid Lewis, who played 32 minutes Friday — just two games into the season.