{
  "id": 16246309,
  "title": "David Mirkovic on sideline back in boot during Illinois’ exhibition vs. Baylor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/david-mirkovic-on-sideline-back-in-boot-during-illinois-exhibition-vs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-23T23:38:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/david-mirkovic-sideline-back-boot-233808479.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Illini fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their preseason All-American selection, David Mirkovic, but they received disheartening news during the team's exhibition match against Baylor on Friday night. Mirkovic was spotted back in a boot and scooter during warmups, indicating he is still dealing with a foot injury that has sidelined him since the start of August. Despite having spent nearly a month without the boot, the Illini fans were under the impression that Mirkovic was nearing the end of his recovery process. Mirkovic did not take the court in Illinois' exhibition win against Cincinnati Bearcats last week, and that pattern continued in Friday night's game against Baylor. Head coach Brad Underwood emphasized their cautious approach, stating that they want to ensure Mirkovic is fully ready for the long haul and prevent any recurrence of the injury. While Mirkovic's absence is a setback, Underwood sees the exhibition games as a valuable opportunity to experiment with lineups and provide early minutes to the younger players. The Illini have a deep roster with young talent and returning veterans that will help absorb the workload while Mirkovic gradually recovers.",
  "summary": "David Mirkovic has suffered a setback in recovery.",
  "key_points": [
    "David Mirkovic back in boot during Illinois-Baylor exhibition",
    "Foot injury sidelined him since August start",
    "Coach Brad Underwood cautious about his recovery"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}