Come Sept. 3, you won’t see linebacker Javan Lee’s number on the field against Michigan.

NIU’s second leading tackler last season suffered a herniated disk in training camp and needed surgery. The injury will keep No. 47 on the sidelines until at least October.

But even when Lee is physically able to play, academic problems may still force him to miss the remainder of the season.

“We’re planning on not having him this season,” said NIU coach Joe Novak. “Javan is cleared by doctors to play in October, but may not because of academics.”

With Lee slated to miss the entire season, the Huskies will lose a First-Team All MAC player and their lone returning linebacker.

Lee racked up 105 tackles last season, including a 17-tackle game against Ball State and at least 10 tackles in his last three games.

Depth at the wide receiver position also took a hit after the injury bug struck.

Marcus Perez suffered a concussion last spring, while sophomore Matt Simon collided with a teammate during drills, ending his season before it started.

“[Perez] had a concussion last year in the fall, another one last spring, and he had also had one his senior year of high school,” Novak said. “Since he had suffered the three concussions, the doctors took him out for 10 months, so he’ll be out for the season.”

Even without the injury, Perez would have missed the season because of academics, as he came up an hour or two short of the requirements, Novak said

Although Perez only caught 10 passes last season, he did start in place of suspended receiver Shatone Powers in the Silicon Valley Football Classic. He caught two passes for 31 yards in the Huskie victory.