Mirkovic sits Illinois exhibition; Auburn waits on Freeman’s contact return

David Mirkovic will miss Illinois' exhibition at Cincinnati on Saturday while he works back from foot surgery, and Auburn is waiting for medical clearance before Owen Freeman returns to full-contact practice.

The two coaches described different stages of rehabilitation in reports published Tuesday, with exhibition games approaching for both programs.

Mirkovic resumes limited live work

The News-Gazette's Scott Richey reported that Mirkovic took live practice reps Monday for the first time since Illinois began its official practices in late September. Coach Brad Underwood said the sophomore's work lasted about six minutes and that conditioning remains a concern after time away.

Mirkovic broke his left foot during the final day of Illinois' summer workouts in July and underwent surgery, Richey reported. Underwood did not give a return timetable when speaking on The News-Gazette Sports Page radio show, but said Mirkovic would not play this week.

Illinois lists Saturday's Cincinnati exhibition on its schedule. The absence leaves Underwood evaluating his other players while waiting to reintroduce the forward to the offense planned around him.

Freeman awaits full-contact clearance

Auburn coach Steven Pearl said at Tuesday's SEC Tipoff that Freeman was making progress after an offseason foot injury, according to the Montgomery Advertiser's Adam Cole. Pearl described a recent 45-minute workout and said the Tigers would wait until their medical staff considered Freeman fully ready before moving him into contact practice.

Pearl also anticipated a minutes restriction over the first few games once Freeman returns. That was a recovery plan, with no confirmed return date or guarantee he will play in Wednesday's exhibition against Florida State.

Freeman transferred from Creighton after playing his first two collegiate seasons at Iowa. Cole reported that Auburn recruited him for his ability to score with his back to the basket, adding another offensive option to its frontcourt.

Auburn's official preview sets the Florida State exhibition for Wednesday at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. The Tigers will then face Alabama and Samford in their remaining exhibition games.

Sources

Scott Richey, The News-Gazette: Mirkovic’s limited practice return · Exhibition schedule · Adam Cole, Montgomery Advertiser: Freeman’s foot recovery · Wednesday’s Florida State exhibition