Redshirt sophomore cornerback Trae Williams will miss at least the first month of the 2017 season after successfully undergoing surgery for a torn achilles suffered earlier this spring.

It was not specified exactly when the injury occurred, just that it happened during one of the team’s spring practices back in March.

This is an unfortunate break for both Williams and the secondary as a whole. Williams, who was thrust into a starting role last season after injuries to Keith Watkins II and Matt Harris, recorded 42 tackles (1 TFL), 7 pass breakups, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery in 2016.

With Watkins II on pace to return to full health by the fall, Williams wasn’t projected to open the season as a starter, but this hurts Northwestern’s depth in the secondary.

Watkins II and Montre Hartage will likely enter the season as the starters, with Marcus McShepard, Alonzo Mayo and Roderick Campbell as the primary backups.