CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois senior WR Mike Dudek will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury, head coach Lovie Smith announced Monday. 

"It's kind of hard to put it into words," said Smith. "Mike Dudek has worked so hard throughout his career here. Mike Dudek's season will end. He had a knee injury that happened during the course of the game."

Dudek was a Freshman All-American in 2014 when he had 76 receptions for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns. After missing the 2015 and 2016 seasons with knee injuries, Dudek returned to play in seven games in 2017 and the 2018 opener Saturday against Kent State. He caught four passes Saturday for 65 yards to continue his streak of 2+ receptions to 21 straight games (every career game).

"Some things are hard to understand, that's definitely one of them," said Smith. "Mike has meant so much to our program."

Illinois hosts Western Illinois on Saturday for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Big Ten Network.

You can't allow adversity to define your life. You must take the good with the bad and continue to move forward. I am forever greatful for all the support I have received these past 5 years. #NoBadDays Thank you Illini Nation

— Mikey Dudek (@MDFlash_7) September 3, 2018

Terrible news: @IlliniFootball WR @MDFlash_7 has suffered another season-ending knee injury.

"Some things are hard to understand, that's definitely one of them." pic.twitter.com/hMg4s2ZcvG

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 3, 2018